As my regular readers know, I am a strong advocate for in home care for seniors who are no longer able to take care of themselves. Of course, that is not always possible; but there is an intermediate step between family-provided care at home and moving your loved one to a facility – enlisting a home care agency to provide assistance.

Recently a friend asked me to recommend a source of in-home care for her mom who is dealing with several serious health conditions. She still lives at home with her husband, but the daughter is concerned that they may soon need additional  help. Following is some information that should be helpful to those beginning this process.

As in any health care related field, you need to do your homework. I believe the best way to choose in-home care is by speaking directly with the people in charge and discussing their requirements for caregivers as well as their clients’ rights policy. Agencies should have written guidelines on both of these topics.

By consulting with at least two or more agencies, you can compare what they have to offer and select the one that best meets your needs and the needs of your loved one. Once you have decided, the agency should ask numerous to help them find a compatible caregiver for your family member. Make your preferences known – for instance, male vs. female. You should feel free to ask to interview the caregiver before he/she comes into your loved one’s home. Go with your gut…and refuse to hire anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Likewise, if a chosen caregiver does not meet your expectations, speak up. One note of caution – some individuals may never be satisfied with an outside-the-family caregiver and this needs to be taken into consideration.

A reputable agency will require its care staff to be neat and clean, dress properly, wear identification at all time, minimize the use of colognes/perfumes, and refrain from smoking while on duty. One clue that a caregiver is more self-centered than client-centered is the length of fingernails. Most health-care agencies require staff that comes in contact with patients to keep fingernail length at ¼ inch or less. Long – and especially artificial – fingernails are a health hazard as they are a hiding place for germs and increase the risk of tearing delicate skin. Therefore, quickly observing a caregiver’s fingernails can give insight into overall competency and attitude. (I have a picture forever embedded in my mind of a nursing assistant with l-o-n-g nails, who in response to being told she needed to trim them, replied, “I’d rather loose my job than cut my nails.” Definitely, that give you a hint as to her qualifications.

Look for an agency that trains its staff on a continual basis. Thorough background checks and drug testing should be provided, and it is imperative for the agency to require and verify several personal and work-history references.

A good agency will appreciate your close involvement in the plan of care and welcome your feedback of work performance. Always remember, the most important concern is that your loved one is receiving professional and compassionate care. Family members should stay involved, provide occasional supervision, and once in a while drop in unexpectedly.

Caring Quote: “If I wouldn’t be comfortable having certain caregivers in my home, then I wouldn’t be comfortable having them in your home.” Gail Moore, former Franchise Owner, Home Instead Senior Care of Randolph and Alamance Counties.