Providing the best care for our senior parents means considering all the factors involved in hiring and keeping help. When support is needed to help them stay safe, happy, and healthy, we are put in the position of vetting options, researching information, and often making the final decision on care.
A first thought might be to simply hire someone privately, but as we walk through all the steps necessary to do so, it becomes obvious this is a huge undertaking.
Do you have all the knowledge and insight to handle these steps?
- Creating an outline or job description
- Deciding on appropriate pay range, benefits, etc.
- Deciding where to advertise your job posting
- Finding potential caregivers
- Interviewing caregivers
- Screening potential hires and performing background checks
- Creating contracts and other hiring documents
- Managing employee taxes, benefits, vacation pay, and other deductions
- Assuming responsibility for liability and insurance issues
An agency will take care of all of the above for you, and much more. Reach out to an agency and find out how they will handle these steps for you. Most will have information readily available and are pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Most people come to these decisions after trying to handle care on their own, or after a crisis or major change happens in their senior parent’s life. This is a time when we often feel stretched very thin, with little extra time and resources to take care of all the important responsibilities that come with being an employer. While we feel a huge sense of responsibility, for most of us it is a very difficult time to take on yet another challenge, especially when we may not have any relevant experience.
An agency will take care of finding a caregiver who is an excellent fit with your family. They’ll handle the initial placement, any employment responsibilities, and will be there to take care of any scheduling issues that may arise. What if your caregiver gets sick? What will you do to cover time off that is requested? Your agency will have a plan in place and will simply take care of these events as they arise.
There are many safety issues to consider as well. How will you properly screen applicants to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to help reduce risk, prevent injury, and follow safe practices in the care they offer? An agency is familiar with what an experienced caregiver should know about safe environments and proper lifting and assistance techniques. They also know the different credentials that potential caregivers may have, and how they differ.
An agency doesn’t remove the personal and genuine interaction you want for your senior parent. Not at all. In fact, they have more experience hiring for these qualities than you do. Using an agency to provide care simply means you can hand off the employment and liability concerns and focus more on your relationship with your senior parent.
Hand over the paperwork, background screenings, and legal worries to someone who has years of experience handling them. Save your time and energy for your senior parent, and create memories instead. Wouldn’t that be a better investment?
At Senior Homecare by Angels, we go one step further and involve you in the selection process. We know this is an important part of your decision, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about choosing an agency.
Have questions or feedback on what you just read? Please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d love to chat with you.
~ Senior Homecare by Angels Calgary team