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Questions For Potential Caregivers |
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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.
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- 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 living
independently, in their own homes, in a way that is both
safe and comfortable.
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. |
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