As awareness of elder abuse increases, the difficulties of finding and hiring a trustworthy caregiver are brought to light. Many adult children have learned the hard way, as told in a recent LA Times article. The search for the right caregiver is made even more challenging in states like California where caregiver background checks and screenings are not required. Here are a few of the most important things to consider when hiring a caregiver for an elderly loved one:
• Decide exactly what you need and write it down. Create a job description that encompasses everything that is important to you and detail exactly what is expected from the prospective caregiver.
• A personal caregiver will be in your or your loved one’s house frequently—lay down the house rules and make sure they acknowledge them.
• Hiring through an agency such as FirstLight has many perks like performing background checks on employees or providing fill-in help if your caregiver calls in sick or in the event of an emergency. Fully research an agency before signing up for their services—every agency differs in cost, available programs, etc.
In an effort to provide seniors and their families expanded access to verified and trusted in-home caregivers, FirstLight formed a partnership with SeniorChecked, a national network that helps seniors safely and independently age in place by connecting them to verified and trusted local service providers.
For more information on how to hire a quality caregiver, check out these resources listed by the LA Times