5 Things to Consider when Hiring a Caregiver from a Home Care Agency

Stay-at-home professional caregivers become a necessity when you have ageing parents staying alone at home. This is why you need to be careful when hiring someone. Just like you research about a doctor’s credentials before visiting them, it is important to enquire about a professional caregiver before allowing them inside your home. While you may think that every home care agency in Kingston is offering the same services, the quality of service can differ vastly from one agency to another. If you’re thinking about hiring a caregiver at home, here are some things you must keep in mind.

Understand your Requirement 

Home care services do not always mean a full-time caregiver. From assistance in doing the household chores to providing companionship to a lonely senior, home care services cover all different needs. Do you have a bedridden parent who needs 24/7 nursing and care? Or do you just want someone to help in running the house? When hiring a professional caregiver, it is first important to evaluate your needs and understand what type of service you’re looking for. 

Choose a Reputable Agency

Hiring a caregiver can be done two ways – directly by you or through a home care agency. If you already know a trusted and reliable caregiver referred to you by a friend or family, you can hire them directly. But if you are hiring someone for the first time, it is always recommended to go through a reputable home care agency. They will help you in finding a well-trained caregiver suitable for your needs, perform background checks, confirm all licenses and certifications, and check for past references. It lessens your burden of finding someone qualified and saves you the hassle.

References and Reviews

If you’re hiring directly, then it falls on you to interview the caregiver and ask about references from old patients and families they’ve cared for. If you’re hiring from an agency, then you must check the client testimonials of the agency itself first. Verify their credibility before accepting a caregiver provided by them. Whether you need holiday care services in Kingston when you’re away on a vacation, or a full-time nurse for your ageing parent, you must always check for past references of your caregiver before allowing them into your home.

Evaluate Backup Care Options

We must not forget that caregivers are also after all humans, and they too can fall sick or need vacation days. But what happens to the patient at home? When you’re hiring from an agency, ask them about their backup care options. If and when a caregiver takes an unexpected leave, there must be replacement procedures in place to deal with such situations. Providing seamless care to the patient without any hiccups should be the motto for any good home care agency. During the hiring process, ask the right questions to make sure the agency can offer you substitute caregivers when a backup is needed.

Certifications and Licenses

Both the caregiver and the agency must have some local certifications to be able to provide professional services. An agency must have permission from the local government to be conducting business in the area. A caregiver, especially those who offer medical assistance, must have a certain degree or license to be qualified for their job. Before hiring someone, make sure you verify all these documents.

Conclusion

Hiring a caregiver is a crucial step in making sure that your ageing parent receives the best care and supervision. You must choose a respectable and well-known home care agency in Kingston for trusted and reliable professionals. At Priory Care, we provide the best home care services for your elderly.