How to Retain Qualified In-Home Caregivers

Every year, thousands of families and individuals across the U.S. retain the services of an in-home caregiver. The need is often associated with an aging parent, but younger patients can need a caregiver. For example, they are often retained by individuals of any age who are recovering from major surgery or a critical injury. Caregivers are sometimes retained for a short period of time, but under different circumstances, such as in support of an aging parent, they are employed long-term. Knowing how to find and retain a qualified in-home caregiver is paramount.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand what you need before you start your search. For example, general categories of in-home caregivers can include a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or certified home health aide (CHHA), notes A Better Living Home Care Agency. Other states have similar designations, but titles vary. As examples, in California, CNAs and CHHAs are trained and certified in both acute and chronic care, explains A Better Living. They are generally retained in situations where careful attention and mobility are critical issues. A personal care attendant is usually sent into homes where the level of attention required and the need for mobility assistance are moderate to high. Finally, companion homemakers are indicated when the level of attention needed and degree of mobility assistance required are low to moderate. Match the credentials and experience of the caregiver to the individual needs of the person to be cared for. In general, a person with better credentials will cost more.

• 2

  Contact a home care registry. In many areas, community service organizations offer registries of qualified, recommended in-home caregivers who have been screened. Referrals are made at no cost. You are responsible for interviewing and hiring the caregiver. Look in the local phone book or online to find a directory of community organizations and caregiver registries in your area. Call or e-mail the organization and ask for its list of prospective caregivers. For maximum confidence, ask how they were screened. For example, Sonoma County, California, recommends that you make sure every caregiver has been subjected to a criminal background and reference check. Confirm that all required licenses and certifications are in good order.

• 3

  Use a caregiver employment agency. If you don't want to do all the work and due diligence involved in a search, pay an agency to identify, retain and supervise a caregiver for you. Caregivers provided by agencies are typically trained as nurse's assistants, but can also be registered nurses (RN). The agency will make the selection of your caregiver from its roster of available people. However, if you or the person to be cared for are unhappy with the choice, you can request a different option. The agency will be the caregiver's employer. You will pay the agency approximately $20 an hour or more for the service. Some charge for travel time. Some insurance plans, most notably "long-term care" coverage, reimburse you for in-home care. Medicare sometimes covers in-home care for a short period.

• 4

  Hold an up-close and personal conversation with your caregiver. First impressions generally last. Although not considered mandatory by some, human chemistry is an element of the caregiver equation for many people -- especially those receiving the care. Once you feel comfortable with the prospective hire, or the person provided by the agency, have them talk to the person they'll be caring for to make sure they also agree you've got the right person.