There are many unique challenges in our lives as a loved one ages. Those of us with busy schedules can become quickly overwhelmed. These circumstances often mean that choices must be made to support the well-being of an aging family member.
When considering keeping a loved one in the home, there are two main choices:
- Hire a Private Caregiver
- Enlist the help of a Home Care Agency
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD wants to help you make a sound decision while putting the happiness of your loved ones first.
Hiring a Private Caregiver
If you are considering hiring a private caregiver to entrust in the care of an aging family member, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Background Checks. You may be tempted to do without a background check when enlisting the help of a private caregiver, but this is never recommended. While it may be time-consuming and expensive, failing to conduct a background check can be much worse. These checks can reveal key information, including qualifications to care for a loved one. Simply conducting an interview is not always enough to judge if someone is up to the job.
- Liability and Insurance. Caregivers often do not have any insurance, as they work independently. This means that you may be stuck with an expensive medical bill if they are injured while working for you. Needless to say, this can cause significant financial damage.
- Contracts. Many people who hire private caregivers forget to draft a contract, which can be necessary to show a complete understanding of the business relationship.
- Effective Management and Communication. This is crucial when hiring a private caregiver in Houston, TX. Every family will have unique rules that they want their caregiver to follow, but many are unsure if they are effectively communicating their message. This is particularly true of those who have never had to manage others in the past.
When working with a home care agency, many of these concerns can be forgotten. The agency will help communicate your requirements and pair you with a suitable caregiver.
Using a Home Care Agency
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when working with a home care agency in Houston. Here are some of the benefits:
- Verifying Information. You can expect that all caregivers have undergone background checks when using a home care agency. References are carefully verified, as well as past employment history. This helps the agency pair you with the best caregiver for your situation.
- Replacing Caregivers When Needed. There are certain situations that we don’t expect in our day-to-day lives. Imagine that you are on the way to work when you receive a text message from your caregiver letting you know they will be unable to make it that day. With a private caregiver, you may have to miss work. Maybe your caregiver just isn’t working out as you hoped, and you now have to go through the whole process again. However, with a home care agency, these potential problems can be avoided, and the agency can easily and quickly connect you with another caregiver as needed.
- Payroll. Unlike with a private caregiver, you will not have to worry about payroll and taxes when working with a home care agency. They will handle all compensation and tax withholdings, leaving you to focus on whatever needs to be done that day.
There are many things to consider when looking for the perfect caregiver for your aging family member.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, and Nader Rabie, JD are here to help you make the most informed decision possible when selecting care for a loved one. Call us today at (713) 840-7200 to discuss your case.
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