Connecticut Estate Planning Attorneys Blog
So many of our clients ask this same question:
How do I find the right caregivers for my loved one?
We asked a geriatric care manager to weigh in. Here’s what she said:
“There’s a lot you need to know about hiring caregivers. You can’t always be there yourself, but trusting a stranger with your loved one can feel like playing pin the tail on the donkey.”
There is way too much potential for getting it wrong. And, there are plenty of horror stories about unscrupulous, negligent or abusive caregivers who take advantage of frail elders.
Fortunately, whether you decide to hire your own caregivers or work with a home care agency, there is plenty of information available to help you steer clear of trouble.
Advice from the experts
You’re entrusting your loved with a stranger…so know the right questions to ask!
To help get you started, here are some great resources and helpful advice you can use:
Check out AARP’s checklist for hiring an in-home caregiver and the article “How to Hire a Caregiver”.
Both resources help explain:
- Understanding types of caregivers
- Steps in the homecare giver hiring process
- Assessing needs
- Checking references
There are special considerations when hiring a caregiver for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association’s offers information about In-Home Health Care and recommends asking these questions:
- Are you trained in first aid and CPR?
- Do you have experience working with someone with dementia?
- Are you trained in dementia care?
- Are you able to manage our specific health and behavioral care needs?
They also describe the various types of home care services, and list numerous useful resources for finding and comparing home health agencies.
AGIS.com – Assist Guide Information Services
AGIS has a wealth of unbiased information on all aspects of elder care. For families seeking to hire caregivers, the Home Care Support Services checklists are detailed and comprehensive, guiding you in asking all the right questions and defining your expectations. You can also access:
- Professional Caregiver Interview Forms
- Professional Caregiver Work Agreements
- Questions to ask when hiring a home care agency
Feeling a bit over your head?
Hiring the right caregiver is not a simple process and by now you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. It’s not impossible, but if you’re not up to going it alone, working with a geriatric care manager is an excellent option. He or she can map out a plan of care, hire qualified and compassionate caregivers, and coach them for you.
To many, in-home caregivers are angels. But you have to do your homework first. Take advantage of all the resources available. It’ll pay off dearly.
Related posts:
3 Key Steps to Take Before Hiring an In-home Caregiver
Pay Caregivers What They Are Worth: It’s Long Overdue
Paying Home Care Workers: Are You Compliant?
33 Resources to Help Caregivers
