There comes the point in time for every family caregiver when they need some help. Caring for a loved one while juggling work responsibilities and running a household eventually catches up with you. However, raising your hand for help does not indicate a lack of caring or skill.

Professional caregivers wouldn’t be needed if it were easy to bear most or all of the responsibility of caring for a loved one. But for millions of families, a professional caregiver is the reason a family member can age in place – at home.

Families across the nation are asking, “How Do I Find a Professional Caregiver?” Here are some steps you can take to find outside help that you can trust and will prove reliable.

1. Ask for referrals

One of the best sources of locating a professional caregiver can come from a friend or family member that can speak to the quality of a professional caregiver they either know personally or know about. Friends are a great source of referrals to good restaurants and movies. Why not ask them if they know anyone that could help.

2. Use a registry

Home care registries, also called private-duty registries or staffing services, connect families with independent home health workers. You tell them what you’re looking for, and they’ll refer you to matching candidates, often for a one-time fee. After that, the professional and financial relationship is between you and the caregiver.

3. Search on your own

Some people like to go to online bulletin boards or social media sites to find a caregiver. Though it seemed like a good idea at the time, many caregivers have discovered some drawbacks to doing it yourself:

  • Time. Do-it-yourself searches can take days or weeks.
  • Emergency coverage. Schedules get upended for caregivers; they need sick days, vacation days, or they can just leave your employ quickly. When that happens to a solo caregiver you hired, you can be left without help and will need to change your plans for the next few days, weeks, or months.
  • Screening. Do you know how to do a background check and verify credentials? This must be done before you ever put the care of a loved one in someone else’s hands.
  • Paperwork. You’ll need to get an employer identification number and withhold Medicare, Social Security, and unemployment taxes. You’ll also have to confirm that the caregiver can work legally in the United States.
  • Insurance. You need liability insurance to protect yourself against any on-the-job accidents and injuries. You’ll also need Worker’s compensation insurance to cover lost wages and Medicare.

By hiring on your own, you’ll be handling all of the complaints about your caregiver and will bear the ultimate responsibility.

4. Use an agency

Though agencies may cost you a little more, there are some definite advantages:

  • Prescreened workers. Agencies perform background checks.
  • Relevant experience. Agencies are likely to have experienced caregivers who have looked after someone who has the illness or condition affecting your loved one.
  • Fast upgrades. If your caregiver isn’t working out the way you’d planned, most agencies can promptly provide one you’re more comfortable with.
  • Fewer problems. Agencies handle any concerns or complaints you have.
  • Liability protection. The agency covers the cost of a caregiver who is injured on the job.
  • No paperwork. The agency handles all of the payments, taxes, and scheduling.

Need a Quality Professional Caregiver?

Our agency proudly serves Orange County, Long Beach, Mission Viejo, and the surrounding area. Call us today or fill out our form to schedule your FREE in-home care assessment. We make it easy for you to secure quality family care – even with little notice in an emergency.