Health and safety are two of the most important things in life. When it's time to hire someone to help you care for yourself or a loved one, don't take on the search alone. To find a highly trained, experienced, and compassionate caregiver, your best bet is to consult an agency that offers caregiving services. Tracking down quality caregiver services on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. And, to be honest, you simply don't have the tools and time to thoroughly evaluate the wealth of caregiving services available. On the other hand, companies dedicated to providing these services have already done the intensive screening and are ready to help you find your perfect caregiver. Using their deep understanding of the caregiver/recipient dynamic, medical and personal care, companionship, and safety, they've researched hundreds of providers and represent only those who offer exceptional caregiving service.

Knowing Which Caregiving Services You Need

If you need caregiver services immediately, due to an unanticipated or urgent medical situation, turning to a caregiving agency is an easy choice. You can save massive amounts of time by going directly to a reputable agency and describing your needs. They'll quickly search their database of caregiving specialists to find potential matches. Even if you have a relaxed timeline to evaluate your options, an agency can ease your worries by assuring you that your search only includes qualified caregivers.

When looking for caregiving services, you must first make a list of the recipient's personal and medical care needs. Caregiving service providers say it's helpful to them if you can describe a usual day of care required for the recipient. For example, explain whether they need assistance with chores, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, or medication. Describe the preferences and personality of the recipient, such as whether they are shy or outgoing. You should also discuss the following factors:

Level and type of care: Do you need a health aide with medical training to provide hands-on care, such as with administering medication, bathing, or using the bathroom? Or do you need companion care in which a non-medical caregiver provides social interaction and assists with basic daily activities like meal preparation? This is an important distinction, as some agencies only offer non-medical caregiving service.

Hours: How many hours of caregiver services per day will you require? Some recipients need these services daily, even on weekends and holidays. Others only need an aide to visit a few times a week. You can modify your schedule as needed to accommodate changes in condition.

Memory issues: Does the recipient have a condition that impairs memory, such as Alzheimer's Disease? If you suspect a problem but haven't consulted a doctor, caregiving agencies suggest you first get an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional. This will help the agency assign a caregiver with the right training and qualifications.

Transportation: Do you need a caregiving service provider who will take the recipient to appointments and social activities? If so, should the provider have their own car, will they drive the recipient's care, or will they accompany the recipient on public transportation? When it comes to transportation, be sure to inquire about any necessary insurance.

Meals: Are there special food preparation requirements or restrictions? Is the caregiver needed to purchase and prepare food?

Specialized tasks: Are there specific care requirements, such as taking blood pressure, blood sugar testing, wound care, catheter care, oxygen usage, or a feeding tube? Does the recipient need someone to perform these tasks or just monitor them?

Medications: How much assistance is required? Will the caregiver need to be there whenever the recipient is scheduled to take medication, or is a general oversight enough? Provide a list of medications and the method of ingesting so the agency can be aware of side effects to watch for and any requirements (such as taking a certain pill on an empty stomach).

Overall care management: Does the caregiver need to manage the recipient's total care, such as organizing medications in a pill box, obtaining refills, working with the insurance company, and scheduling doctor's appointments?

Finding Caregiving Services & Agencies You Can Trust

To select quality, affordable caregiver services that are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, ask providers the following:

• What is your philosophy of care?
• How many caregivers do you employ? Do you have a high rate of turnover with your caregiver staff or do people choose to stay on your team for years?
• How do you match the right caregiving service with each recipient?
• Do you have the appropriate business license and necessary state licenses?
• Are caregivers official "employees" (i.e., the agency takes care of applicable taxes, insurance, and more)? Tip: When the caregiver is an agency employee, you are protected against potential litigation because the caregiver works for the agency, not you.
• How is the caregiver managed at the agency, by a supervisor or mentor? And what credentials does your management staff possess (years of experience, graduate degrees, etc.)?
• How are caregivers trained? How frequently are their skills evaluated, tested, and updated?
• Do you preform completed criminal and DMV background checks?
• Do you offer a number that recipients can call for 24x7 caregiver services?
• What is the process if we are not happy with our caregiving services?
• Have any complaints been filed against you at the Better Business Bureau?
• Do you have access to a network of caregiving specialists in case the recipient requires additional assistance?
• Can you provide references for me to call?

Moving Forward

Once you select a caregiver services provider you trust and they identify an aide for you, ask to meet and interview the caregiver to make sure it's a good fit. It's very important that the recipient feel 100% safe, at ease, and cared for in the company of the caregiver. After the caregiver services are in place, keep the lines of communication open with the caregiving services agency, the caregiver, and the recipient. It's a good idea to stop by from time to time to make sure the caregiver is performing their duties and providing the help your loved one needs. As time goes on, the recipient's needs may change. Working with an agency means you can quickly and easy access additional services when needed and integrate it into the current care plan. For example, agencies can provide occasional visits from registered nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists. You'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being plugged in to a network of care specialists who know your needs and are ready to help.