Learn the questions to ask when shopping for companion care in Kansas City and nearby areas.
Discovering the right care solution for a senior family member is one of the most significant and overwhelming decisions you will face. Ensuring the safety and security of a senior loved one is paramount, but there are some additional considerations as well, such as whether the senior’s quality of life and capacity to thrive and remain independent will be a top priority.
AARP provides an invaluable checklist of questions to ask when investigating elderly home care options, including:
- Is the agency licensed?
- What services can be provided?
- How long before services can begin?
- Are caregivers trained and dependable?
- Is there a process set up for conducting background checks, bonding and insuring staff, supervision?
- What happens if a caregiver does not arrive on time (or at all)?
- Can another caregiver be requested if you don’t click with the one assigned?
- Are there any client testimonials or reviews you can read?
- Will the senior receive a customized plan of care?
- How long has the agency been in business?
It’s also critical to confirm that the caregiver is a hired employee from a professional agency, as opposed to a contractor referred by a registry service, or a person hired through an online ad, because:
- Taxes and other mandatory federal and state requirements are covered. Hiring a caregiver independently makes YOU the employer, meaning you’re accountable for all taxes, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, etc., and, you’d be liable for medical and other expenses in the event that the caregiver was to become hurt on the job. A professional home care agency assumes the role of employer for its caregivers, alleviating these concerns for older adults and their families.
- Full vetting and supervision of caregivers increases safety. Regrettably, the risk of exploitation and abuse of seniors is heightened when employing an independent caregiver, whether financial, physical, or emotional. Reputable home care agencies provide supervision as well as comprehensive background and reference checks, bonding and insurance, and other safeguards to protect older adults. Not only that, but in the event an older adult’s primary caregiver becomes ill or takes a break for vacation, an equally knowledgeable and trusted substitute caregiver is provided.
- Initial and ongoing training increase caregiver excellence. Agencies that offer thorough training for their care staff ensure that skills are constantly as sharp as they can be, and that any new techniques established in the industry are applied – meaning a heightened degree of care over an independent caregiver without the same opportunities for career development.
At Hearts at Home In-Home Care, we are happy to meet each of these criteria and by offering companion care for Kansas City seniors. As a proud member of the Briggs Home Care family of agencies, we are focused on meeting the varied needs of our clients – from companionship and light housekeeping assistance to chronic and emerging health issues, and everything in between. We take pride in making sure our team receives continuous caregiver training, so you can feel confident in knowing our caregivers are top notch and constantly improving their skills, while providing the safe, reliable, and compassionate care required to make life the very best it can be.
If you are looking for companion care in Kansas City or the surrounding areas, email or call us at 913-440-4209 to let us answer any extra questions you have about our elderly home care services, or to inquire about a free in-home consultation to boost quality of life for a senior you love.