For $16-$20/hour there are some great private caregivers out there: Always choose state certified professional caregivers and home care aides. You can check to see if your prospective caregiver or home care aide is registered on this website: https://secure.dss.ca.gov/ccld/hcsregistry/registrysearch.aspx
Know the risks: There are all manner of “private” or “concierge” groups out there and with them you are putting everything at risk without any recourse. They have no oversight and no insurance to protect you from theft or harm. Many are simply vultures looking for a way into the pockets of people vulnerable to scams.
Also, you are responsible for private hires to the same extent I am responsible for my employees should they be injured on the job, need time off for illness or other life event, fair pay, employee-employer relationship laws, discrimination rules and the like.
Don’t be shy: Ask for everyone’s certification, check to see how they are registered with the state as a caregiver or as a business. Get real references and run a criminal background check- not the cheap kind but one that costs about $65- make sure they have a Livescan fingerprint filing with the state and have them speak with at least two family members.
This is a big deal: Letting someone in your home and allowing them to care for you or your loved-one is a huge decision and one that opens you up to risk. Be smart, be diligent and make a measured decision that reduces risk in every way possible. Caring for a loved one can be a tiring and emotionally taxing task. Looking for respite form the work sometimes leads us to choose expediency and low cost over prudence and patience. That’s the moment of opportunity for the many people and firms out there that take advantage of the elderly and their families.
Work with pros: There are plenty of legitimate agencies, professional care managers and private caregivers out there. Screening them is always easy because they want to show you their insurance policies, licenses, certifications and they want you to call their references. If you interview anyone that makes excuses for not being registered with the state or cannot prove they have Liability Insurance, a Surety Bond and Livescan…move on to the next.
Good luck and take care,
HCOLJ
