Host Zack Demopoulos launches his 30 day preparation plan to care for an aging adult. He continues with Day 17 where he talks about
hiring a professional caregiver. Specifically how to choose a home care agency, what to look out for, what to ask, and how to protect your family.
In Part 2 we will cover questions that you should ask a home care agency before you hire them, what the next steps are after you have identified the right home agency for your parent or parents, the different type of options for shifts including 24/7 or live in’s, how to protect your family when aides visit their home, what home care costs, and the pro’s and con’s of hiring a caregiver privately.
This show is sponsored by ComForCare, a national home care provider that will help you live your best life possible. https://comforcare.com/
This is Part 2 of Day 17 of the 30 Day Preparation Plan to care for an aging parent. The Prep Plan is all about helping you the family caregiver provide your loved one with the best comfortable safest and efficient caring environment in which they can grow old in.
The topic we continue with today is one option for long term care which is home care.
If you have not had a chance to listen to Days 1 through 16, please go back to Season 1 and check out these episodes. Also in Season 1 we introduce the 9 beginner steps in raising your parents. http://raisingparentspodcast.com/page/5/
We also discussed on the Day 14 Episode how your parents can age in place—what to consider so that they can live at home independently as they get older in a safe environment and with dignity. Be sure to check that show out to if you haven’t already. http://raisingparentspodcast.com/episode-023-day-14-what-is-aging-in-place-for-mom-dad/
So now you have done your initial research and you have a few home care agencies that you want to ask questions. Here are a list of example questions you should be asking a home care agency you are considering to hire:
Next steps: Nurse conducts an initial assessment of whom is receiving the care and they create the care plan. The agency then matches from their qualified staff who would be the best choice. Ask about this process.
Typically you can find aides to do pretty much any kind of shift you need. As little as one hour or two per day or week, shifts that match your working hours, overnight staff, weekend help, around the clock 24/7 or someone who lives with your parent. Important to note that someone who lives with someone they are caring for is NOT considered working around the clock. Zack reviews these types of shifts.
Must protect your family. First of all, even though agencies will tell you they are bonded and insured, you still want to eliminate any chances of theft. I would make sure all valuables are locked up. I would also make sure any information with social security numbers and confidential information that can lead to identity theft be out eyesight. Warn your parents of any suspicious behavior and how they must report it immediately. Never never give an aide money or credit cards unless you know about it and it is for an exact purchase—like groceries. No check books should be out. Make unannounced visits all the time with no real schedule. The aide should never know when you are coming. The agency should be making unannounced visits as well and report to you anything they observe.
Zack reviews what homecare can cost and some ways to pay for it.
The Survey Showed That The Most Expensive States As Far As Senior In-Home Care Is Concerned Include (Average Costs):
North Dakota – $27
Alaska – $26
Hawaii – $25
Massachusetts – $25
Minnesota – $25
Rhode Island – $25
While The States With The Least Expensive Senior In-Home Care Services Include (Average Costs):
Louisiana and West Virginia – $16
Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi – $17
Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee – $18
Other issues around cost: Be sure to ask the agency about all costs involved. Is there a charge for the nurse when they conduct assessments? Most agencies include the cost in their rates. Others do not. Is there a deposit required? Is it 100% refundable. Some agencies ask for two weeks of service in advance. How is payment received? Credit card? Automatic electronic withdrawal from checking accounts which is convenient for long distance caregivers. WHat is the cancellation policy and are there any costs involved with that?
Hiring a family caregiver has a lot of upside.
The down side?
Hiring a private aide is also affordable but like the family caregivers has some risks:
Be extra diligent in your evaluation of that option and know that you will need to closely manage the situation to make sure it is a good option.
Here is the last piece of advice if this applies to you: If it is not urgent or an emergency to hire a caregiver whether it is private or from a home care agency, take your time and do your research. That way the head will work equally as the heart. This is an emotional process and a very important decision to make. Take it seriously. The good news is that there are many good agencies out there so doing your research will reveal good choices.
So that’s Day 17. Join us for Day 18 as we talk about another long term care option: Adult Day Care Centers.
Thank you for listening to the Raising ‘Rents podcast. If you have any questions or feedback, please go to our website www.raisingrents.com and click on the “Contact” tab. Let us know about any topics you want covered. You can also find the show notes and references to anything we talked about. Until we talk again, remember that our parents raised us, the least we can do is help raise them. Talk to you later.
Sources used in this series:
Intro/outro music: Arthaiz
Other music: Philipp_Weigl_-_01_-_Subdivision_of_the_Masses, Blue_Dot_Sessions_-_06_-_Wahre
Daughter Anastasia Demopoulos does the opening voice over
Website created and managed by Philip Golden