Senior Home Care Eases Family Burden

Senior home care services make it easier for people to live independently as they age. With so many adult children unable to provide daily care and supervision for their aging parents, these senior care companies have grown quickly to fill the need. Unfortunately, many people don't think about in-home care options until an aging relative is faced with a crisis. At that point, the decision of what to do can seem overwhelming and confusing. But by taking a methodical approach, families can work through the process and make the right choices for senior care.

Identify Needs
Before making any decisions about senior home care, the family needs to outline the needs of the aging adult. If the person requires medical assistance, then it's important to hire someone with the correct knowledge and experience. Many senior home care companies limit their services to nonmedical, companionship care. Care providers may shop for groceries, do light housekeeping and confirm that the client is eating and taking medications. Once the family has a list of needs, the search for a senior care provider can be narrowed.

Private Hire or Service
Many families think that directly hiring a care provider is cheaper than using a senior home care service. And this certainly seems to be true in looking at the hourly rate. But hiring privately has its pitfalls, many of which can be avoided by using a service. Posting a classified ad online may be free, for example, but it might not attract the best-qualified candidates. Applicants should be screened, including a full background check and possibly a drug test. Once an employee is selected, the payroll withholding rules for domestic workers apply. Workers comp insurance may be needed in case of an on-the-job injury. The client's homeowners policy may not cover the liability of an in-home worker, so an additional insurance rider may be required. If the senior care provider doesn't like the job and quits, the whole process must be started over. For busy families without much time to devote to these details, this can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Bundled into the service costs, many senior home care companies provide screening, handle payroll and insurance, and can quickly replace a worker who quits.

Work Out the Details
Whether choosing a private hire or a senior home care agency, families need to ask lots of questions. For example, some care agencies only screen and refer potential care providers and do not actually employ them. The family still has to deal with payroll withholding and all insurance. It's important to verify who is actually employing the worker to avoid surprises. Families should ask whether the senior care agency provides backup coverage when the care provider is unable to work due to illness, emergency or vacation. Additional questions should include certifications and licenses that the agency or caregiver holds, whether the caregiver can transport the client for errands or doctor appointments, and any limitations on personal care services such as bathing. Families should also discuss how the agency holds caregivers accountable for providing good service and for identifying any changes in the client's condition.

It is possible for aging adults to remain in their homes longer with help from a senior home care provider, adjustments to the accessibility of the home and a little extra attention from family. But there's no reason for a single family member to shoulder the full burden of care. It's far better to spend a little extra money for the help of a senior care worker than to risk exhausting relatives and taking away the enjoyment of spending carefree time together.

Visiting Angels is the nation's leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty and senior home care agencies providing in home care, senior care, elder care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America.

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Keywords: home care agencies, elderly home care, senior home care, elder care services

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