care options -in-home care
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- ElderCarelink.com
- Family Caregiver Handbook by Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- The Wright Stuff
- Genworth Cost of Care Survey
This website will help you locate in-home care for your parent.
An extensive reference and guide for family and other unpaid caregivers.
Check this out: this website is dedicated to gadgets for aging adults.
If you're curious about how much care costs, this reference provides national and state averages.
Interview The In-Home Care Agency
Once we narrowed down the prospective agencies, we invited each one to send a representative to our parents' home for an interview. The agencies were happy to comply and each sent a nurse to talk with our family and help us evaluate our situation. Here are some things to consider and questions for the agency:
- What is the range of services provided by the agency?
- Is the agency licensed by the state?
- Are the caregivers bonded?
- Are the nurses and home health aides certified or licensed?
- Is each caregiver covered for liability issues in the home?
- What are the hourly rates? Is there a minimum number of hours? Does your agency accept Medicare or other insurance? How often will we receive a bill?
- Is there a 24/7 contact in case we have an emergency situation? How quickly can the agency respond?
- What happens if we're not happy with the person the agency sends? For example, is it a problem to change caregivers?
- When hiring people, does your agency perform background and reference checks? What kind of training does the agency provide?
- How many people does the agency employ? How long do the employees generally stay with the agency?
- Ask for caregiver references.
- Make sure the agency is equipped to handle the specifics of your situation. Describe the type of person you want to work with.
- Your situation is undoubtedly stressful - you need someone who will make your parents feel comfortable and safe.
Check out Beers Criteria - a list compiled by geriatrician Mark Beers - to learn more about special medication considerations for people over 65.
"Sensors Help Keep Elderly Safe, and at Home" by John Leland, The New York Times
"Gadgets for Growing Old at Home" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Why Hire From an Agency?" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: What They Make, What They Cost" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Present and Future" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Gadgets for Growing Old at Home" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Why Hire From an Agency?" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: What They Make, What They Cost" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Present and Future" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
