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Putting your elderly loved ones in a nursing facility is something that they will not really appreciate even if they are struggling to live safely by themselves.  You do have other options than sending them off or taking care of them by yourself.  You can hire someone to provide in-home care.

 

The first step in finding the right in-home caregiver is to determine the needs of your loved ones.  Determine whether she needs a companion who provides non-medical services or if she needs round the clock medical care.  Knowing this will help narrow down your search for the best in-home caregiver.

 

Finding an in-home caregiver can be done in two ways.  Caregivers from this site can work individually or they can associate themselves with an agency.  Whatever you choose is acceptable.   An agency does background checks and drug tests to their employees so you don't need to do this yourself.  But if you hire individuals, you must do the background check and drug testing on your own.

 

You also need to research the applicant, whether she comes from an agency or an independent worker.  Talk to the applicant and ask questions.  Let your loved one talk to the applicant so you can observe how they communicate.  It is important that you see that they are comfortable with each other because they will be spending time together most of the time.

 

It is important to observe how they communicate with each other.  If they are not able to understand each other or there are language barriers, it is best to get somebody else because no matter how good she is, communication is a very important factor when it comes to hiring a caregiver through this homepage.  If you find that they have a shared interest, then that can make a big difference in their interaction with each other.

 

Checking the background of the agency you will be hiring from is also very important.  You want an agency that is licensed and has liability insurance.  Employees of the agency should be bonded and have been checked and cleared for communicable diseases.

 

The payroll of the in-home caregiver is handled by an agency from where you have hired her.  The agency pays the caregiver while you pay the agency.

 

You have options how to hire an independent caregiver.  She can be an employee where you will be responsible for the payroll and taxes.  The caregiver handles her own taxes if she is hired contractually.

 

Choosing an in-home caregiver will allow your loved one to stay in his own home instead of being confined to a facility. See this definition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caregiver.