Be careful who you ask to care for your loved one. There are some options available, and there are pros and cons to each of those options. Additionally, each State has different regulations related to supervision, licensure, and duties of nonmedical home care staff. Some of the more common options and considerations are included below. Check your State to see what is specific to your jurisdiction.
A. Family hired caregiver
These individuals are employees of the family. As such, the family is responsible for withholding taxes and providing for injuries on the job if they occur. The family typically does not have any information concerning legal actions such as abuse, neglect or exploitation. There is no backup in case the caregiver chooses to leave the position. There is no supervision of the care delivered regardless of whether it is consistent with the standards of how care is delivered safely. These individuals may have extensive time doing caregiving, but they usually do not have any professional training. Even in those circumstances when family members have healthcare expertise, they are not on site to supervise and provide plans of care.
B. Placement agency caregiver
These individuals are screened by an agency either online or in a brick and mortar setting. The placement agency is compensated by the caregiver for the placement services that were provided. The caregiver is a family employee and training is not provided by the agency. The agency does not provide any supervision. There are now organizations that work like Uber to find caregivers. There may be background checks and more structure on the front end, but there is no training and supervision once the caregiver is on the job. There is no insurance coverage if the caregiver's action is harmful, if they are injured at work or if there is financial exploitation of the senior.
C. Licensed home care agency
These agencies are regulated by the State that they reside in. Typically they require criminal background checks, drug testing, and competency testing. Most States mandate training for these caregivers. The caregivers are employees of the agency. The agency has insurance for the actions of the employee and for on the job injuries. There is supervision of the employee which is also legislated by the State. These agencies must comply with Department of Labor regulations and pay overtime to the caregivers who work for them.
You should use due diligence in hiring caregivers. They are not all created alike. They may have the heart for caregiving, but they may not have the knowledge necessary to provide safe care. Contact me for advice on hiring the right caregiver for your loved one.