When a family needs to find a caregiver for a Senior, it is sadly in the face of crisis, and often immediately following a hospitalization or rehab visit. Although Medicare often provides for a visiting nurse and other intermittent services immediately following hospitalization, they don’t cover the services of non-medical caregivers who fill in the gaps for personal care, household duties, transportation, cooking, and an assortment of other services necessary for one returning home to live alone or with minimal family support. Many companies are available to meet these needs, and yet, discharge planners and social workers often don’t think to make the suggestion. Asking for a list of local providers, obtaining a copy of a local publication for Seniors, such as “Senior Guide”, calling a local Senior Center of Aging Agency…all can provide a list of providers to call and inquire about services. Most hire from a pool of local caregivers with varying degrees of training. There are specific questions to ask:
- Are your Caregivers Bonded and Insured?
- Do you provide training specific to Senior Care?
- Who supervises the Caregivers?
- Will I be able to choose from a number of candidates?
- Is there a long term committment to your company if I use your services?
- What kind of services can I expect?
- Who will communicate with me and how will that take place?
- Does your company have professional experience in Senior Care?
Choosing a Senior Care Company and a Caregiver is a sensitive and thoughtful process and the representative of the company should show compassion and understanding as an example of hte training provided to the staff of caregivers. Time should be spent in exploring the options available to you, and the key is compatibility. At Golden Heart Senior Care of ohio we carefully and thoughtfully prepare each caregiver, and at the same time we have compassion for the difficult process the family and the potential client are experiencing. CAll us today at 937-985-4911 to learn more about the Compassionate Care our clients are so grateful to receive!
By Sherri Kumle
