Home Care: Difference between revisions
From Clicklaw Wikibooks
→Private Home Care
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==Private Home Care== | ==Private Home Care== | ||
People can hire private pay home care services. A person may do this if they do not qualify for government subsidized services or wish to access extra services. Private pay service providers may be individuals or businesses. You access these services by contacting a service provider directly. | People can hire private pay home care services. A person may do this if they do not qualify for government subsidized services or if they wish to access extra services. Private pay service providers may be individuals or businesses. You access these services by contacting a service provider directly. | ||
Private pay services are mostly unregulated. Exercise caution when using these services. For example, ask about the company’s screening and training practices, the insurance they carry, and their complaint processes. When hiring an individual, ask about their credentials and check their references. Read the service contract carefully and make sure it clearly spells out fees and what services they include. | Private pay services are mostly unregulated. Exercise caution when using these services. For example, ask about the company’s screening and training practices, the insurance they carry, and their complaint processes. When hiring an individual, ask about their credentials and check their references. Read the service contract carefully and make sure it clearly spells out fees and what services they include. | ||
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* Interview each candidate in depth. Screen applicants on the phone but always follow up with an in-person interview. | * Interview each candidate in depth. Screen applicants on the phone but always follow up with an in-person interview. | ||
* Be specific about all the tasks, skills, and schedules involved and be sure that the person you are considering is comfortable with all of them. | * Be specific about all the tasks, skills, languages, and schedules involved and be sure that the person you are considering is comfortable with all of them. | ||
• If there is a particular situation that you are concerned about, such as a family member living with dementia sending the care provider away upon arrival, then be up front about this with the agency. | |||
* Discuss compensation and payment schedules. Do not pay for services in advance. | * Discuss compensation and payment schedules. Do not pay for services in advance. | ||
* Request several work and personal references and check them carefully. Verify the information provided, and ask all references about reliability, trustworthiness, punctuality, and the care provider’s ability to handle stress. | * Request several work and personal references and check them carefully. Verify the information provided, and ask all references about reliability, trustworthiness, punctuality, and the care provider’s ability to handle stress. | ||
