Enjoy GRAND Magazine

for grandparents & those who love them

Options Available for Home Caregivers for Your Family


aging-at-home-Home-Instead

Know Your Homecare Options Before You Need Them

By Jeff Huber

 

No matter how many good arguments might be made for a senior to leave home, remaining where decades of memories were created is often the best reason to stay.

In fact, industry surveys tell us that upward of 90% of seniors plan to age in their homes. However, issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, mobility problems, and other debilitating aspects of aging do, in fact, make it more difficult for older adults to stay in their homes. That said, the care options available today can provide the support needed to enable many older adults to remain at home.

Whether you’re researching options for an elderly parent or getting an early start on collecting facts for your own future, keep in mind that there are three types of professional home caregivers: agency employees, independent contractors with a registry, and independent caregivers.

Agency employee: Most agencies hire caregivers who are screened, trained, bonded, and insured (like those employed by Home Instead Senior Care® franchises). The agency handles taxes and other employment obligations and coordinates support between the family, caregiver, and client.

aging-at-home2-Home-InsteadIndependent contractor: Independent contractors are recruited, screened, and referred to the consumer by a registry. The senior becomes the employer and is responsible for hiring, scheduling, and paying taxes. Because the independent contractor is not covered by worker’s compensation, the senior employing him or her assumes that risk.

Independent caregiver: Independent caregivers are responsible for finding their own clients. They are not screened by a third party and are not covered by workers’ compensation. An independent caregiver may or may not have liability insurance and be bonded, and may or may not have training and continuing education.

Families often encounter caregiver stress in navigating the stages of senior care. Professional caregivers and other resources are available to help. Why not start looking into your options today.

~~~~~~~~~~

JeffHuber

 

 

Jeff Huber is President and COO of Home Instead Senior Care, the world’s largest provider of nonmedical in-home care services for seniors.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

StagesSrCare_bkcvrHELPFUL RESOURCES

Watch the video: The Emotional Impact of Caregiving

Read the book: Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions, by Paul and Lori Hogan, founders of Home Instead Senior Care.

Christine Crosby

About the author

Christine is the co-founder and editorial director for GRAND Magazine. She is the grandmother of five and great-grandmom (aka Grandmere) to one. She makes her home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Only $ 6.95

A Special eBook for New and Expecting GRANDparents

My Grand Baby ebook cover