There is a massive underground system of private caregivers available for assistance with the needs of seniors who live in their homes. These private caregivers are employees of the family or senior and have limited or no healthcare knowledge other than what they have learned via experience in other senior's homes.
There is no assessment of skill set. There is no background check for criminal activity, abuse or neglect. There is no work comp insurance if they hurt themselves in the workplace. There is no supervision by a credentialed manager. There is no one to fill in vacancies if they resign, are sick or chose to leave a position without notice. There is often no income tax paid if they are responsible. The list goes on about why these individuals are risks to the health and well-being of the senior.
An example of a situation that was observed recently onsite at a North Shore Chicago high rise demonstrates these concerns: A nonmedical, privately hired caregiver has a client with dementia that requires constant visual supervision. On arrival at the building to see my own patient, the senior is seen walking out of the condo and into the busy street alone.
Even though he is not my patient, I follow the man across the street and down the block. Fifteen minutes later, I see the caregiver come running down the street hysterically looking for this gentleman. It happened to be warm weather, but what if it had been cold and icy? The caregiver said she was on the phone when the senior left the condo. The caregiver did not report the occurrence to the family.
Being a “nice” person does not make them a qualified caregiver. Do they have the skill set to provide the care that is required? As an employer, are you able to assess their competency? Do they know their scope of work or do they practice as professionals without the skills and knowledge? Are they abusing or neglecting the senior?
Use care when you are selecting individuals to fulfill the role of caregiver. Do not be duped by personality and cost of services. Always use caution and have check and balance systems in place even if it requires hiring a credentialed professional to provide oversight and training.