FAQs on In-Home Care Givers
By Jane A Malkoff MSN RN NP
Making the decision to place private care givers into a home is a really big decision. It is important to ask as many questions as needed to in order to be comfortable with this decisions. Over the years I have found there are a few key questions everyone wants to have the answers to when it comes to having help in the home.
I hope you find this FAQ useful. For more information please call us at #317.774.0074.
How much does it cost to have a licensed home care agency send a care giver?
These services are billed by the hour with the average hourly rate in central Indiana of $24. Short shifts (typically under four hours duration) will cost more as will a more complex case (two people to care for, pets, etc.) but on average you can expect $24/hour. Medicare does not cover this type of hourly home care. It is mostly a private pay endeavor except in cases where there is long-term care insurance, Veteran benefits, or Medicaid Waiver.
What can a care giver do?
For the most part, care givers assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, meal preparation, medication reminders, companionship, safety monitoring and light housekeeping. They are non-medical. For example, they do not make medication decisions such as providing medications from the original pharmacy bottles to give to a client, but they can assist with medications from pre-set medication reminder containers. Some companies also allow the care giver to take clients on outings.
How do I know the care giver will do a good job and be kind to my loved one?
You must choose a company you hear about by word of mouth from people you trust who have firsthand experience versus from a business referral source. You must know about the owner and their reputation. Typically, those owners with clinical backgrounds such as in nursing have better outcomes. Additionally, the state of Indiana requires a comprehensive background check on care givers. Make sure it was completed and 100% clear. Meeting and approving of the care giver before they come to the home is a good idea too. Longevity at care giving jobs is also a sign of a good care giver. Find out how long they have been at the company and at their prior job if possible. You can also place cameras in the home.
Shouldn’t the care giver be certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Home Health Aide (HHA)?
It turns out care quality and long-term stability with a care giver is not related to whether or not the care giver is a CNA or a HHA. Experience is important. If experience is found in someone who is a CNA or HHA it is a great combination. However, informal care giving experience is worthy too. This may be found perhaps through a person who cared for an ill parent. Experience in and of itself does not create excellence in any profession. Integrity and compassion are what really matter the most. Someone with integrity and compassion can learn to do a task well while someone with task experience who is lacking in integrity and compassion will not be a good care giver.