It’s rare that you’ll find a senior who is enthusiastic about being put into a long term care facility, and that’s not surprising. After all, they’ve put their entire lives into their home and lifestyle, and nobody wants to change that. They’d much rather just get a little extra help when they need it at home. However, hiring a home care provider can be tricky and stressful. After all, you’re trusting someone you don’t know to come into your mom or dad’s house, and you’re trusting them with your parent’s life.

There are a number of important factors to consider before hiring a home care provider, and to be sure that you don’t overlook something important, it can always be useful to keep a checklist or guide handy. Explore this checklist for hiring a home care provider to learn some tips, tricks, and questions to ask before you make a hire, to keep your loved one safe.

Hiring a Home Care Provider

Before you decide on a provider for your senior parent or loved one, there are a number of factors to consider when hiring a home care provider. These include the breadth of the care needed, licensing, hours required, emergency policies, care plans, the cost of services and the methods of payment.

Breadth of Care Needed

The first item on your checklist should cover the extent of the care you will need. Knowing the level of care you will need will help you determine the kind of caregiver to hire. Sit down and write a detailed job description listing the services you’ll require, from bathing and dressing to paying bills, transportation, chores, medical needs and more. Be as detailed as possible.

Service Licensing

You’ll need to decide whether you want to bring in a service or an independent practitioner. Either way, look into the licensing of those you are considering. Each state has laws, statutes and regulations that monitor both agencies and individuals who provide this care. Making sure that the service or provider you use is properly licensed, is your first line of defense.

Hours Required

Will the care you need be around the clock? Will it be only 9-5? You know the level of care you’ll need, and when it will have to be provided. Some agencies provide full-time care for 24 hours a day, and others don’t. This should be one of the first questions you ask.

Emergency Policies

You never known when an emergency or accident will happen. You’ll need to understand the emergency policies of the provider so that when the unthinkable happens, you’ll be aware of the protocol. You also want a caregiver who is capable of keeping a cool head and being responsible when an unforeseen accident occurs.

Care Plans

Be sure that the provider and your senior loved one are heard and understood regarding the concerns and care plans you all create together. It’s essential that everyone involved feel comfortable, and that all questions and concerns are answered.

Cost and Payment

Finally, be certain that you understand all of costs involved—both up front and any less obvious ones—and the methods of payment accepted. The last thing you want is unpleasant surprises with payment for services.

Setting up plans to cover hiring a home care provider can be best done with the help of an estate planning attorney. In Ohio, contact Stano Law for help today.