You’re thinking about elderly care services for your dad. If you’re like most families, you have questions. Here are six of the most common questions families have when arranging caregivers.
Don’t Older Adults Have to Be Infirm or Immobile to Get Help?
There’s a misconception that elderly care services are only available to those who are sick or barely able to move around independently. That’s not true. Elderly care is there to support older adults who want to age at home. Services range from companionship and transportation to meal preparation and laundry.
Do Caregivers Go Through Background Checks?
People often wonder how agencies choose caregivers. Caregivers apply for jobs and go through interviews. If the interview process goes well, background checks are the next stage. Drug tests may also be ordered. If that goes well, the caregiver is hired and starts going through training specific to the agency’s requirements.
Are Caregivers Licensed and Insured?
Another concern families have is that they’ll be financially responsible if their caregiver is injured on the job. Caregivers from an agency are covered by company insurance policies.
When it comes to licensing, the rules vary from one state to the next. Caregivers may not need a license, but if the caregiver is also an LNA or LPN, certification is more likely to occur.
Don’t Caregivers Reduce Independence and Freedom?
You think that your parents give up independence and freedom when they start having help with daily activities. That’s not the case. Caregivers are hired to help your parents do the things they can’t do alone. Everything else is left for them to complete as they want. Caregivers help ensure your parents can age at home.
Are There Things Caregivers Can’t Do?
Caregivers are often willing to help in the best ways possible, but it’s important to remember that the caregivers have to follow their work order. You may show up while the caregiver is cooking and expect the caregiver will happily make extra to serve you. Remember that you’re not the client. The caregiver is there to feed your parents not you. Don’t ask the caregiver to do things that are not on the list without first getting it approved by the agency.
What Happens if the Caregiver’s Car Doesn’t Start or the Caregiver Is Sick?
If your parents’ caregiver is sick or has car troubles and can’t make it, will your parents be alone all day? An agency will get the call from the caregiver as far in advance as is possible. At that point, a second caregiver is called and asked to go to your parents’ house. That second caregiver undergoes the same training and background checks as the others.
Do you have other questions about elderly care? The best way to get answers to all of your questions is by calling an elderly care representative. Invite your whole family to jot down their questions so that you get everything answered at once.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN WILSON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.