If you’re looking for a caregiver, whether you need help yourself or are seeking someone to care for your elderly loved one, you want someone you can trust. Unfortunately, not all caregivers are the same. There are those who don’t do their jobs well, or even worse, those who treat their patients with physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Finding the right caregiver for your needs requires careful research, a thorough interview process and a willingness to take a risk.
If your family chooses to hire a caregiver through an agency, they will screen workers for you and verify their credentials, such as a license or certification. However, if you prefer to do the screening yourself, you’ll have to check references and find a way to verify an applicant’s identity and work authorization. You’ll also have to set up a payroll and withholding system for Medicare, Social Security and unemployment taxes and buy liability insurance in case of an accident.
There are a number of ways to help pay for home health care, including long-term care insurance policies, traditional insurance, Medicaid and other government programs. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see what’s available in your community. Faith communities and senior service agencies can also be sources of information about low-cost home care options through specialized funding. how to find a caregiver