Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally draining. If you are struggling, there are many local resources that can help.
You can hire a private caregiver through a home care agency or look for one independently. The latter option can involve an interview process, references, and more.
Find a Local Caregiver
The first step to finding a caregiver is asking for referrals from trusted friends or family members. They can help you find a trustworthy caregiver who has the right qualifications for your elderly loved one’s unique needs.
Be sure to ask for references, as well as proof of certification, licensure and training. You should also check that a prospective caregiver is insured and bonded.
Caregivers can also be found through home care agencies. Hiring a caregiver through an agency can be more expensive than hiring them independently, but it can save you time and hassle by taking care of all the HR work and liability that comes with hiring independent workers.
Another option is joining a support group for local caregivers. These groups can provide a space to talk about your experiences and frustrations, as well as learn about resources available for your loved ones. Groups such as CaringKind and MOCHA are managed by trained facilitators.
Ask for Referrals
Often the best source for finding quality home health workers is word of mouth. Asking your friends, family and acquaintances if they know anyone who could use a home caregiver is an effective way to find someone quickly and easily. This method is especially useful for finding caregivers with the right skills, qualifications and experience to meet your loved one’s specific needs.
Depending on the relationship and the person’s position, you can adjust how formal your referral request is. Be sure to include your contact information and the job description in your letter or email. If your new connection is busy or unsure about their ability to vouch for you, offer to draft a letter on their behalf that they can sign and send back.
When you’ve identified several potential caregivers, schedule an interview in person or over the phone. In addition to assessing their professional abilities, it’s also important to meet and interact with the care recipient to ensure there is a personality fit.
Look into Respite Care
The reality of full-time caregiving is that it’s easy to get so wrapped up in caring for someone else that your own sense of self is lost. Finding ways to enjoy your own hobbies, activities and relationships can help.
Respite care offers the opportunity to take a break from your responsibilities, while knowing that the person you care for is in good hands. Options range from hiring a friend or family member to visit for an hour or two, to arranging for someone to stay in your home for a weekend or vacation and to paying for professional caregiving services from a respite agency or charity.
Check a caregiver’s credentials and licensing, interview them thoroughly and ask for references. If you’re concerned about costs, consider that most children with disabilities are eligible for Medicaid waiver funding that covers in-home respite care services. You can also find local support groups for spouses, family members and other caregivers, many of which provide respite services.
Join a Support Group
If you have a medical condition that requires caregiving, you might consider joining a support group. A local or national organization can often help you find a group that meets in your area, or one that you can join online. These groups empower you to work to solve your own problems and can teach you coping skills that will make caring for yourself much easier.
The format of these groups can vary, and many of them are open-ended, allowing members to come and go as they wish. However, it is best to seek out a group that is facilitated by someone who has clinical experience and is willing to listen without intervening or making interpretations.
If you are interested in starting a support group, try to work under the auspices of a larger organization, which can provide resources and name recognition for your new group. This can help your group to grow and become more effective.find a caregiver near me
