care options -in-home care
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- ElderCarelink.com
- Family Caregiver Handbook by Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- The Wright Stuff
- Genworth Cost of Care Survey
This website will help you locate in-home care for your parent.
An extensive reference and guide for family and other unpaid caregivers.
Check this out: this website is dedicated to gadgets for aging adults.
If you're curious about how much care costs, this reference provides national and state averages.
Interview The In-Home Care Agency
Once we narrowed down the prospective agencies, we invited each one to send a representative to our parents' home for an interview. The agencies were happy to comply and each sent a nurse to talk with our family and help us evaluate our situation. Here are some things to consider and questions for the agency:
- What is the range of services provided by the agency?
- Is the agency licensed by the state?
- Are the caregivers bonded?
- Are the nurses and home health aides certified or licensed?
- Is each caregiver covered for liability issues in the home?
- What are the hourly rates? Is there a minimum number of hours? Does your agency accept Medicare or other insurance? How often will we receive a bill?
- Is there a 24/7 contact in case we have an emergency situation? How quickly can the agency respond?
- What happens if we're not happy with the person the agency sends? For example, is it a problem to change caregivers?
- When hiring people, does your agency perform background and reference checks? What kind of training does the agency provide?
- How many people does the agency employ? How long do the employees generally stay with the agency?
- Ask for caregiver references.
- Make sure the agency is equipped to handle the specifics of your situation. Describe the type of person you want to work with.
- Your situation is undoubtedly stressful - you need someone who will make your parents feel comfortable and safe.
Consider AccuPax for safe and thorough dispensing of medication to your parent. A licensed pharmacist will package your parent's daily medications and send the packets to your parent's home each month for a small delivery fee. Register at accupax.com or call 1-888-600-9692.
"Sensors Help Keep Elderly Safe, and at Home" by John Leland, The New York Times
"Gadgets for Growing Old at Home" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Why Hire From an Agency?" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: What They Make, What They Cost" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Present and Future" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Gadgets for Growing Old at Home" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Why Hire From an Agency?" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: What They Make, What They Cost" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
"Home Health Aides: Present and Future" by Jane Gross, NYTimes.com
