If you talk to most seniors, they will tell you they would prefer to live in their own home for as long as possible. If a family has the assistance of outside help, there is a chance seniors can remain in their homes longer than would otherwise be possible without the assistance. Sometimes, families are able to take on the responsibility of caring for their loved one. In other cases, they may need full-time support. This is especially true if a senior wants to stay in his own home alone. If you are thinking about support to help your senior relative remain in familiar surroundings, consider some important questions when interviewing potential caregivers.
- Determine the experience and background of the caregiver and his company. If someone works independently, ask for references from previous clients, as well as a resume of his experience and education. If he works with a company, part of the interview procedure should be to provide references. In addition to the caregiver’s specifics, speak with the company about their experience. You can also speak with medical professionals concerning your caregiver choices. A lot of times, doctors and nurses will be familiar with the local senior workers. Find out how long the company has been in business, whether they are part of a national chain, and if they are reputable. You can check the website of the Better Business Bureau for more information about the company. Reputable companies will train their employees and be happy to share this information with potential clients. Stan Lawson, co-owner and CFO of Sequoia Senior Solutions, an in-home care provider located in the North Bay area of California, states, “We do lots of training. Within 90 days of employment, (caregivers) have to be certified as certified companion aids.”
- Speak with the company or the caregiver about his previous education. Many companies continue to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Continuing education is important for those who will be caring for seniors. You should also speak with the company about certifications and future training. For instance, some caregivers will have limited experience working with seniors with specific health problems. However, a learning process is in action, she may still be a qualified candidate.
- Determine if the employees or self-employed caregivers are insured and bonded. This protects both you and your loved one, as well as the caregiver and his employer.
- Speak with the agency about the supervision of its employees. Find out how the company monitors its employees day-to-day. Some companies do occasional check-in visits, and others rely on reports from the caregivers and the clients. Also find out the grievance procedure should something go wrong. You will also want to ask if they will always send the same caregiver. If you are hiring an independent caregiver, this will not be an option. However, with a team of employees, there may be instances where an alternate person covers care if someone is on vacation or sick.
- Ask the potential caregiver or company if they can provide medical care of any kind. If your senior has any chronic health conditions, you will want the caregiver to have the knowledge to handle that condition. For instance, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease will need a caregiver who has experience dealing with people with dementia. A diabetic senior may fare better with a caregiver who understands possible complications of the disease. It is important to share your senior’s health issues with the potential caregiver ahead of time. While many will expect certain behaviors and issues, they should still be aware of any existing problems. It will also put your mind at ease, knowing the caregiver can deal with these health problems.
If you are thinking about hiring a caregiver so your senior loved one can continue living at home, take time to conduct a thorough interview. This way both you and your loved one will be comfortable with the care being given. Sequoia Senior Solutions offers families a chance to continue independent living safely and comfortably.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
