Hiring Home Health Care

December 28, 2005

With the alarming rate of nursing home abuse in our nation, it's no surprise many people --faced with the decision of placing a loved one in the care of another-- are choosing home care in favor of a nursing home facility. The number of people who will require nursing care is expected to mushroom in the next 20 years. Many consumers will make the important decision about nursing care for themselves or loved ones. If you are considering in-home care, the following tips may help you make this decision.

1. Outline your needs. If you are looking for home nursing care, be sure you spell out all of your needs in the job description. Be sure to include all activities that may be required of the position. Bathing, eating, dressing, payment of bills, transportation, cooking, cleaning may be some basic needs of the position. You may also require skilled nursing care from a qualified occupational, physical, or speech therapist.

2. Determine how much to pay and what is covered . While the pay range for services can range by location, it is important to determine how much you will offer for in-home nursing care. Personal care assistants without specialized training make anywhere from minimum wage to about $15 an hour. Skilled nursing care professionals and nurses expect between $16 and $25 and hour or more. Live-in nursing care from a qualified attendant can run over $200 each day.

Ask your private insurer if home care is covered by your policy. If so, what types of nursing care is covered? You want to make sure you are clear about what nursing care will cost

3. Explore your options and determine what qualifications you seek. Do your research into the types of certification possessed by nursing care assistants and trained professionals. Medicare-certified agencies and practitioners will typically charge a bit more than other organizations, but you may be eligible to seek reimbursement from the government. Some groups may be affiliated with or recommended by reputable organizations. Learn about your options so you can find the help you seek.

4. Take personality and demeanor into account. While qualifications are important, personality is also very important in a person you will be allowing into your home. You want to make sure you will be comfortable and confident about this person coming into your home and caring for your loved one. Ask applicants about their approach to nursing care, their qualifications, cooking and other specific skills, and experience. Always ask to speak with their references to get a better picture of their fitness for the position.

5. Determine what taxes will need to be covered. It is important to become familiar with the tax codes that will affect employing an in-home nursing care attendant. For example, if you pay a caregiver more than $1500 in 2006, you will have to cover some of the employee's taxes.

6. Protect your property. While you want to ensure your caregiver is trustworthy, it is always wise to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to your valuables and money. Always keep valuables safe and out of sight. Never give a nursing caregiver a credit card or an entire checkbook. Hand out checks as needed and always monitor your caregiver's spending of your money.

7. Protect yourself. While you have a greater degree of control over the quality of care administered by an in-home caregiver, it is still possible for nursing home abuse or neglect to occur. If you notice anything suspicious or have a serious problem with the conduct of your nursing professional, it is important to report these suspected or known acts of nursing home abuse. You may also be eligible to seek compensation for your losses and suffering.

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