Q. My husband and I are in our mid-70s. Other than my husband being in the early-moderate stages of dementia, we are in decent health. However, over the course of the COVID pandemic, it became evident that I need more help. We have adult children that live about a 30-minute drive away from us. While they help us out often, they also have jobs and cannot drop everything to drive over at a moment’s notice. I’m considering in-home care to help me give my husband a shower and keep him company so I can run errands. I’m new to this arena. Do you have a few questions or tips on how to select the best in-home care?
A. I applaud you for recognizing your need for help. So many older adults suffer in silence because they don’t ask for the help that could improve their quality of life.
In-home care is a great option for older adults who need some assistance to maintain their independence, without having to leave the comfort of their own home. In your case, it’s an especially great option for your husband who has dementia. He can remain in his familiar environment and is less disorienting than a move to a memory care facility.
As you begin to research options, start by selecting home care companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured. This means that each caregiver employed by the company has undergone a rigorous vetting process to verify their skills and experience. It also protects you from theft, breakage, or loss. (Although a bonded and insured company is extremely unlikely to hire a shady caregiver to begin with).
Next, schedule interviews with your top home care companies. The purpose of this initial interview is for the home care company to assess your care needs. It’s also the perfect opportunity for you to get your questions answered so that you can choose the company that best meets your needs.
Here are a few questions to ask during your interview:
Can I meet my caregiver prior to the start date? How involved am I in the caregiver selection process?
What happens if my husband or I don’t get along with our caregiver?
What care can you provide? What care is not included? (Most home care companies can only assist with non-medical care needs; be sure you understand what they can and cannot provide.)
What is the cost? Is there a minimum care requirement?
What happens should our care needs change?
Who’s in charge of our schedule? Are you flexible should we need to make changes to our schedule? How far in advance do you need notice?
What’s your caregiving hiring process? What sort of requirements do they need to meet? What training do you provide them? Can you walk me through your company’s policies and procedures?
How do you communicate with our family?
How do you handle emergencies or after-hour calls?
Take notes during the interview and resist the urge to sign any contract after the initial interview. Give yourself a day or two to evaluate each home care company. Look for reviews online and ask your family for their input. Then, trust your gut and select the home care company that you and your husband both feel most comfortable with, recognizing that it takes a few visits to build rapport with your caregiver.
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