Aging in Place

Step 1 of Hiring a Homecare Agency: Crucial Questions

February 11th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

There are three basic ways to go about hiring a caregiver. First, you need to decide whether to hire a private caregiver or go through an agency. There are two kinds of homecare agencies: referral and full-service. This article outlines the questions you need to ask if you decide to go the agency route. Gilbert Guide also provides information on hiring private caregivers and working with agencies, along with detailed explanations of the services you can expect from all three...Read the rest of this article »

Homecare Explained: What It Is, What to Expect, How to Pay For it & How to Find It

February 11th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

What It Is Homecare, also known as in-home care, is nonmedical care provided in the client's home. It includes custodial care and assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and providing medication reminders. Homecare workers are professionally trained caregivers who provide companionship and are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for the person receiving care. What to Expect Homecare can be arranged without a physician's order and is different from home health care, in that caregivers do...Read the rest of this article »

Home Health Care Explained: What It Is, What to Expect, How to Pay For it & How to Find It

February 11th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

What It Is Home health care agencies provide in-home skilled nursing and other home health care services, such as physical and occupational therapy. Home health care agencies are licensed by the state, but must adhere to federal regulations as well. What to Expect Home health must be prescribed by a physician. Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide the care, sometimes in conjunction with other health professionals. These providers may also enlist the...Read the rest of this article »

Step 2 of Hiring a Homecare Agency: Assessment, Care Plans & Contracts

February 11th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

Assessment Before signing a contract with a homecare agency, an assessment will be made to determine the needs of the person who requires care. Many companies offer this service for free. During an assessment, an agency representative will visit your loved one in the home or at the hospital. The agency representative will ask questions and look around the house if needed. The following issues should be assessed by both interview and observation: Physical health Medication use Amount of...Read the rest of this article »

Homecare: The Differences Between Full-Service Agencies, Private Hire & Referral Agencies

February 11th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

Homecare, also known as in-home care, provides a caregiver to work in your home and help with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and household chores. Some homecare aides accept clients who live in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, and in those cases they work with their clients in the facility rather than the client's home. There are three basic ways to go about hiring a professional caregiver. First, you need to decide...Read the rest of this article »