How to Find Information on Abuse by Home Health Aides

No one wants to imagine harm coming to his elderly family members and friends. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a serious problem both within families and from professional caretakers. While most home health aides bring relief and comfort to everyone involved, there are problematic ones. Families and elderly people examining their options for medical and personal assistance need to do their research and choose carefully.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask home health agencies to only give you home health aides, not home care aides.  People often don't know the difference and many agencies don't explain it. Home health aides are usually trained in their jobs and depending on the state, have certifications or licenses. Often, home health aides are certified nursing assistants. Home care aides have no training, educational or legal requirements. It can be very difficult to trace their professional backgrounds -- if they have them.

• 2

  Use only agencies that run regular background investigations on their employees. Background reports will pick up on criminal charges and convictions related to elder abuse and other legal problems. In some states, regulations prevent agencies from sharing background reports with clients. That means you need to choose your agency carefully, as you may be relying on their word. Check with your state health department, department of consumer affairs and the Better Business Bureau on the reputation and reliability of prospective agencies. 

• 3

  Employ home health aides directly to be sure of their backgrounds. As a direct employer, you have the ability to request a background investigation and review reports directly. Cutting out agencies can mean more work, but it also empowers you with more information.

• 4

  Verify home health aide licenses with your state department of health or department of consumer affairs. Although not all states license home health aides, those that do have websites to verify licenses. If an aide has pending or past accusations or disciplinary actions, states make this information available on their websites. Some states, including California, offer complete files on disciplinary actions upon consumer or employer request.

• 5

  Request references on home health aide candidates. Call their previous clients to get feedback and verify aides' claims of past employment.

• 6

  Contact reputable organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons that offer guides on how to select a home care provider and how to watch for elder abuse. Because even the best screening doesn't always prevent a problem, consumers have to educate themselves and be watchful. AARP provides print brochures as well as information on its website.