These days it seems like there are agencies providing senior care on every corner. How to find an agency that is reputable and suits your needs can be really challenging. Many elderly people are frequent targets of abuse and it is crucial that you ask the right questions when looking for someone to entrust to access to family and home. Here are some questions to ask when screening a potential person or agency. Too often questions center solely around pricing. This is a valid concern during times when dollars for caregiving have to stretch, but sometimes the option that appears to be the most cost effective can wind up being much more costly. These tips are for not for the pennywise and pound foolish.
1. How does your agency select it's caregivers?
2. Is your agency licensed, bonded and insured?
3. Are the agencies employees W-2 employees or independent contractors?
4. Does the agency care worker's comp insurance or employer's occupational insurance in case a caregiver is injured on the job?
5. What is the agency's policy when a caregiver is unable to come to work because of illness?
6. Who supervises caregivers and how frequently are they supervised?
7. Are candidates drug tested?
8. Are there a minimum number of hours that must be used?
9. What notice is necessary for cancelling services with the agency?
10. Is there a Registered Nurse or Social Worker available to do the initial assessements?
11. What are the ongoing training requirements for caregivers?
12. Does the agency have any national affiliations? Have they received any special recognition?
13. Can the agency provide testimonials from satisfied customers?
14. Will the agency allow the family to interview caregivers before they begin working?
15. Does the agency hire Certified Nurse Aides or do they hire well meaning inexperienced caregivers?
16. How many years has the agency been in business? What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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