- Don't assume that one type of aide is automatically better than another. Each type (volunteer, private, agency) has its advantages and disadvantages, and quality can vary greatly between home care aides and/or agencies.
- Make your expectations clear. If you're hiring a private home care aide, you'll be interviewing the person directly. If you're enlisting a volunteer, you might be talking directly with the volunteer, or you might be getting program information from someone else at the volunteer agency. If you're hiring a home care agency, you'll almost certainly be dealing with a caseworker or other type of coordinator instead of the person who will actually be coming to your home.
In any case, make your expectations for home care clear. When do you need someone to come to your home? Are specific services necessary, such as a weekly bath or help going to the bathroom, or do you just need some supervision for your loved one so you can have a little break? Tell them exactly what you need so that there are no surprises.
- Have reasonable expectations. While your expectations should be clear, they should also be reasonable. It's unlikely that a private home care aide can manage 24/7 coverage (and unethical to ask someone to provide that much care without a break). However, some agencies may be able to provide around-the-clock coverage by sending different aides for each shift. For other agencies, irregular hours or unpredictable schedules may be hard to accommodate due to staffing shortages. Think of home care as a supplement to your caregiving tasks, not a replacement.
- Check the person's or agency's background. If you're dealing with a volunteer agency or home care agency, ask about their procedures for screening and choosing aides. Do they complete a thorough background check? How many references do they require? If you're interviewing a private home care aide, it will be up to you to ensure that the person has a good record of employment.
- Ask about experience with Alzheimer's disease. Some very good home care aides have no experience with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia; likewise, some aides with Alzheimer's experience don't have a good track record of providing quality care. The key is to find someone who is ethical and compassionate, with good basic knowledge and experience in home care, who also has expertise in caring for those with Alzheimer's. Question the private aide or the agency about this, and don't be shy about asking for credentials or proof of expertise.
Taking these steps will help you select the best home care aide for your loved one and will help you enjoy your respite with peace of mind.
Sources:
DeGraff, A. H. (May 28, 2008). Paid aides: An agency's or your own? Caregiver.com Weekly Newsletter (Issue #381). http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/paid_aides.htm
Mitchell, T. (April 11-13, 2008). Hiring a caregiver to help at home? USA Weekend, p. 10.
