A caregiver agency is a licensed business that recruits and refers caregivers to families who need in-home care for their loved ones. The agency often performs an initial interview and screening by phone and then schedules an in-person meeting with potential caregiver candidates either at the loved one’s home or at a coffee shop, if appropriate. The family should be present at this meeting, as their input is important. The family will ask questions and may provide specific care needs to help determine if the candidate is the right fit.
Non-medical home health aide services include bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation and feeding, grocery shopping, medication reminders, house cleaning, laundry and washing clothes, companionship, social engagement, taking the elderly person to doctor’s appointments, hair and beauty appointments, theaters, church and other social events and activities, light transportation, errand running, and more. Whether the care is medical or non-medical, a caregiver agency can match clients with experienced, compassionate caregivers.
Caregivers work in private homes or assisted living facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse. They may be nurses or certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or they can have professional training in a non-medical field such as personal care or custodial care. Some agencies employ their caregivers as employees and pay payroll taxes, workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance; other agencies work as employment agencies and contract with the worker.
Many seniors prefer to stay in their own homes and are assisted by caregivers hired by a full service caregiver agency. Some are assisted with daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, eating and using the restroom; other seniors need medical care from a nurse or trained caregiver to administer medications. Caregivers are often available for 24-hour care.
Family members often turn to a caregiver agency to find a qualified and caring caregiver for their elderly loved one. They can select a care provider who matches the needs of their loved one by asking for a description of the type of care they require, such as someone who speaks a second language or shares certain personality traits with their relative. A full-service home care agency can also provide a list of available caregivers with their qualifications and references.
Families want quality care from a professional, and an agency provides this by hiring experienced and vetted caregivers who are insured, bonded and licensed. Agencies typically perform a background check, drug test and criminal history check, and verify certifications and experience. Some offer a guarantee that they will replace the caregiver if there is a problem.
Clients and their families expect their caregivers to show up on time and to be dependable. If a caregiver does not meet this expectation, the agency should address it immediately and take steps to resolve the issue. caregiver agencies