I need to have someone give my husband and I a break once a week. Some agencies are found through BBB but am not sure how good they are. Parent is forgetful and needs someone to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't fall. My doctor said you can't go by an agency's reputation alone because management changes and so does the employees. Mom is vulnerable and I don't want to put her or myself at risk of getting the wrong the person.
Take care of yourselves and your marriage,
Carol
If you have lived in the area for awhile ask friends, family, or colleagues who have an elderly family member. Personal referrals are the best.
Call your local hospital and ask for the social worker. Ask which agency he or she would recommend. (they will tell you that "all of them are good" but keep asking questions like, "who would you use if it were your mother.") That is how I found a great agency (Visiting Angels). The director actually came out to meet my mother and handpicked the caregiver. You pay a little more because the agency needs to be paid too. About $19./hr. Agencies will provide you a back up person on short notice, which is nice in a pinch. They also handle things like insurance and taxes. A good agency will also screen...but I would still meet the person first and see how they fit with your Mom.
If you do private pay, you will have to do the screening. I interview more carefully when I hire privately. If you want to go further, you can pay for a background check...it isn't too expensive. I do check references. You will have to ask your attorney about insurance liablity and how to do tax reporting.
With either option you need to do your homework....but as I said before...referrrals are the best. When I hire anyone, I prepare a sheet of duties, special needs, and the things my Mom likes. Also, include emergency telephone and cell numbers. I list all Mom's medical issues. For example, if the client has osteoporosis, the caregiver should never grab or lift them. Caregivers can not administer meds or do anything that is medical. I also ask if there is anything on the list that they do not feel they are qualified or do not like to do.
Also, remove or lock up valuables, important papers...basically anything that you do not want to "go missing" ....better safe than sorry.
You can never be 100% sure that any person will work out. However, with a little preparation, you can increase your sucess rate.
In four years, I have only had one person that did not work out and it was really a matter of personality differences.
good luck
i stick with family members to care for my dad .
do u have anyone u know that would love to watch ur mom ?
i hate the idea havin a stranger in my home . sometimes we have to bite the bullet and take the chances . some nusring home have a respites that will care for ur mom while u take a day or 2 off , adult center near by ?
my dad wont go to adult center . he is not well . sometimes i think he s on his way out . been like that for 3 yrs . .
my moto is DAMN IF U DO DAMN IF U DONT , ahh crazy isnt it ...
wish i could help u out .:-(