You would always wish to give your elderly loved one the best care in the world. One way of ensuring that they get the best senior care is by hiring an experienced caregiver in Marina del Rey and the surrounding communities. Home care is one of the most beneficial senior care options as it enables the elderly to continue living at home.
Before hiring an in-home caregiver, you will need to choose between two major options. You can opt to pick an independent caregiver or hire from an agency. Hiring a caregiver from an agency will give you an easier time, and that is why many people go for this option. However, this does not mean that you won’t have anything to do. You still need to be heavily involved so as to get the best caregiver.
If you have decided to hire through a reputable caregiver agency in Marina Del Rey, there are some questions that you should consider asking. Here are the most important ones.
Does the agency take care of all the paperwork?
Hiring an in-home caregiver is similar to hiring any professional employee out there. There are lots of legal procedures involved. You will be required to sign various documents and this can be cumbersome. Ask if the agency handles all the paperwork or whether you will be required to deal with them personally. Some of the paperwork includes payroll, insurance, and work agreement.
Can the senior interview the caregiver?
Sometimes, the elderly like having full control of things that concern them. This includes choosing the person that should take care of them. Ask if the agency allows parents or the elderly to be part of the interviewing process. Some organizations allow this, while others don’t.
Does the agency do background checks?
Hiring an in-home caregiver in Marina Del Rey means that you are literally introducing a new member into your household. This new member will be fully aware of everything that will be going on in the home and can access all the rooms in the house. If you are not careful, you may end up bringing a potential criminal in your home. Ask if the agency conducts background checks on the caregivers and if so, what kind? A reputable in-home care agency should carry out a criminal background check on all their caregivers.
What if the caregiver becomes sick?
With human beings, you must be prepared for emergencies. Ask about the measures that the agency takes in case of emergencies. What will you do when the caregiver requests sick leave? Will they send a replacement or will you have to handle the situation on your own? What if the caregiver terminates the services without a notice? Will you be refunded or will the agency seek an alternative caregiver?
What kind of services are provided related to medication?
When seniors are concerned, medication management is a priority. Before you choose an agency, make sure you discuss the medical needs of your senior relative. If your elderly loved one requires any of the following: IV therapy, suppositories, force-feeding or injections, you’ll need a licensed nurse. However, if your loved one just needs someone to remind them to take the medications, that can be managed by a caregiver who is not a licensed nurse. Such a caregiver can make sure your loved one takes their prescribed medicine and also take notes of what has been taken and the dosage.
How are conflicts in job handled?
Sometimes, the elderly tend to be very emotional and can easily get into fights with the caregiver. Will the agency assist you in dealing with these conflicts?