Asking the right questions when hiring caregivers for in-home services is crucial to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of care provided to your loved ones. We care as much as you do about finding the best fit and providing everyone involved with peace of mind. Among the many questions that might come up, here are several key questions you should ask a caregiving agency, along with how we will answer them and their significance:
1. How do you screen your caregivers, and what disqualifies a person from employment with you?
- Answer: The provider should conduct a comprehensive national, multi-county background check and mandate pre-employment, for-cause, and random drug testing.
- Reason: Given the sensitive nature of caregiving, where professionals handle medication and attend to vulnerable individuals, strict background checks are crucial. Ensuring a safe and trustworthy caregiver is a must, so that’s why we conduct the most extensive background checks.
2. Are you insured?
- Answer: Yes, with Liability, Workers Compensation, Employment Practices, and Unemployment insurances.
- Reason: Insurance coverage is important to safeguard against unforeseen liabilities. Going for an agency that is appropriately insured offers a layer of protection, a crucial advantage over hiring a private caregiver. We strive to make each visit between a caregiver and a client safe for each party, but we are also prepared in the event of an accident and you should be too.
3. Do you train and test the skills of your caregivers?
- Answer: Yes, with a well-defined and clear training program.
- Reason: Competency and expertise in caregiving tasks are non-negotiable. Instances exist where caregivers lack the necessary skills despite their professional backgrounds. Ensuring the agency verifies and maintains the proficiency of its caregivers is essential. Homewatch CareGivers University is an example of how committed we are to training.
4. What happens if a caregiver calls off a shift?
- Answer: The provider should ensure the shift is filled immediately.
- Reason: Instances of caregivers failing to show up are a common concern leading to dissatisfaction among clients, and that’s why as a reliable agency we have contingency plans in place to ensure uninterrupted care.
5. Can your caregivers help with medications?
- Answer: Our caregivers assist and remind patients with pre-dosed medications.
- Reason: Managing medications is a critical task that demands precision and expertise. After much discussion with the Idaho Boards of Pharmacy and Nursing, we could find no path to have caregivers dose medications. We advise to have family members, nurses, or pharmacies pre-dose medications. Caregivers should only primarily assist with reminders to ensure safety.
6. What happens if we suspect a caregiver of theft?
- Expected Answer: Call the police immediately.
- Reason: While agencies may conduct internal investigations, immediate involvement of law enforcement is crucial in such situations. Never rely solely on the agency for resolution.
While these questions offer a solid foundation for selecting a reputable caregiving agency, there are many other factors to consider. For further inquiries or additional questions, feel free to reach out to our office at (208) 273-9308. Our dedicated staff is always ready to assist you!
Your loved ones deserve the best care, and asking the right questions ensures just that! Get started with care today by clicking here.
