What to look for when hiring a caregiver

FROM THE GRF

by Cindy Tostado, LCSW

GRF Member Resource and Assistance Liaison

At some point in one’s life, it may become necessary to hire a caregiver to assist you with the simple things usually taken for granted. Home care typically includes a non-medical companion who provides such assistance. Services may include but are not limited to:

• Companionship and socialization • Personal grooming: bathing, dressing, incontinence care

• Light housekeeping such as: changing bed linens, laundry, dusting and vacuuming

• Meal preparation, including grocery shopping

• Accompaniment to medical appointments and other errands

• Medication management/ reminders Getting Ready to Hire Assistance: In the home care environment, understanding the differences between hiring an independent contractor vs. an employee of a certified company or employer model is an important first step.

An independent contractor’s advertised rates may be lower; however, you the (employer) are responsible for keeping track of payments, work hours, sick days and overtime. You are responsible for withholding taxes, SSI and worker’s compensation. You are responsible for medical bills and disability compensation if there is a work-related injury. You are responsible for managing schedule changes, discipline, hiring and firing. You are responsible for screening, checking criminal records and validating references prior to hiring. Lastly, you are responsible for unemployment compensation.

American Board of Home Care states, “Most people don’t understand that by having an independent contractor working for them in their home, they are putting themselves at risk and assuming increased liability.” ABHC was established to educate seniors and their families so they can make informed decisions when choosing a caregiver and avoid unnecessary risk and liability.

The employer model’s rates are higher than an independent contractor, but you are not responsible or assume liability for the risks mentioned above. By arranging home care through a select company who will serve as the legal employer of the caregiver and thereby carries the associated legal and financial responsibilities, you are avoiding liability and safeguarding your family’s assets.

Suggestions for Success when Hiring Care:

• Identify what types of assistance you may need. Clearly state your needs and expectation, be open to suggestions, and remember you can always scale back the care if you do not find it helpful.

• Ask whether the caregiver has experience and references, and if through an agency, can you interview him or her? What are the charges per hour; is there a minimum number of hours; and what services are included in the charges?

• If the caregiver is sick for the day, what is the agency’s policy on arranging substitute care?

• What happens if the caregiver gets injured in your home?

• Can you reach the agency after business hours or on weekends?

• Ask yourself if you are comfortable with this person in your home?

• Can I understand the caregiver clearly; does the caregiver understand me?

Additional Suggestions when Hiring Care:

• Do not do this alone; enlist trustworthy family members or friends who you can rely upon to be your second set of eyes and ears when getting ready to hire assistance.

• After care is in place, ask your trustworthy family members or friends to check in with you on a regular basis to make sure everything is going well.

• Put away your valuables and personal information such as banking records, social security numbers, etc.

• If you do not have a trusted individual you can rely upon, reach out for recommendations on a professional fiduciary.

• Most important, remember that you are in charge and in control of your care.

Paying for Care:

• Companion care is not covered under medical insurance, i.e., Medicare and Senior HMO’s do not cover companion care. Companion care services can be paid directly by the patient and his/her family members or through a variety of public and private sources. Sources for Home Care Services can include Medicare, Medi-Cal, the Veteran’s Administration, and private insurance. Understanding that each has its own limitations and eligibility guidelines.

In Leisure World:

• It is Mutual Policy (7557) to register your caregiver to your unit and renew that registration every six months (December and June).

• Review your Mutual’s policy on Caregivers for more specifics.

For further information, contact the American Board of Home Care at http://www. americanboardofhomecare. org

or (877) 436-5259; Professional Fiduciaries Bureau at https:// www.fiduciary.ca.gov or (916) 574-7340.