Posts

Hiring an Aide: Home Care Agency or “Gray Market?”

/in /by

Most older people who cannot live alone prefer to remain in their homes. That makes sense; it is where their things are, where they know the neighbors and where their memories are based. Staying in their own homes is also a way to feel as if they are still somewhat independent. If your loved one needs companionship or assistance in daily living activities, you might be thinking about running an ad for an aide, or calling a person recommended by a friend. After all, is there any solid reason to use a home care agency? To answer that question, you need to consider several things.

Can you trust that someone you hire from the “Gray Market” will be trained in elder care? Will they know how to assist your loved one in standing or in walking to prevent falls? Will they know what to do if a fall occurs? home care agency

Will the person you hire be willing to do all the things your loved one requires?

Will they be loyal to you and guard your privacy?

Can you trust their integrity? Is your loved one, and her possessions, secure with the aide?

What will you do if the aide “calls off” or wants to go on vacation? How easy will it be to get a replacement?

What kind of expertise or training does the aide have in working with people with impaired abilities or memory?

Can the “Gray Market” aide be relied upon to know when a higher level of care is required? Will you be able to change from the aide to a nurse or nursing assistant readily?

Hiring from the “Gray Market” may seem less costly, but you cannot put a price on peace of mind. You need to know that your loved one is healthy, happy and not a victim of neglect or elder abuse. Hiring a certified home care aide from a home care agency may be far less expensive in the long run, when you consider that there is someone standing behind her, ensuring that she ( or he) will give your loved ones the care and attention they deserve.

If you are considering getting in home care for someone you love, contact us. We understand how much getting the right care matters.

Home Caregiver Agencies Protect Against Elder Abuse

/in /by
Caregiver Agencies in Phoenix AZ

Protect your loved one from fraud and financial abuse by hiring a pre-screened caregiver from a home care agency.

In a recent news article posted on September 27, 2014, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) announced that “elder abuse is on the rise,” most commonly in the form of financial abuse.  Only 4% of fraud cases get reported out of 5 million seniors who are victimized each year.  Scammers pose as fraudulent private caregivers when they post advertisements on various print and online sites.  The elderly have no way of investigating private caregivers’ backgrounds, assessing their characters, or truly knowing their work ethics.  These predators have access to a score of seniors’ information when they purchase a “sucker list” from companies that solicit personal information through false contests, like winning an “all-expense paid vacation.”

To protect against elder abuse and fraud, it is vitally important to hire a highly skilled caregiver who is already pre-screened and pre-qualified by caregiver agencies in Mesa, AZ, and the nearby communities that have done the hard work for you, like criminal background checks, reference verification, and character screening.  When you contact a reputable home care agency like Endeavor Home Care, you have the option of signing up for service over the phone or coming in person to meet the professional staff members for yourself.

In addition to providing in-home care assistance with daily living, such as meal preparation, house chores, laundry, bathing and grooming, Endeavor In-Home Care raises the bar by having occupational therapists as part of our team.  Managed by a seasoned fire fighter and a licensed senior care nurse, our occupational therapists create customized exercise plans to meet each client’s unique needs.  Our management team of medical professionals provides unsurpassed quality of home care you won’t find anywhere else.

Contact us today (480) 535-6800 to ask about our caregiving services and why we’re one of the top home health agencies in Mesa, AZ and the surrounding area. We’re always happy to share more tips and resources to protect against elder abuse and to ensure seniors stay safe and well at home. We look forward to serving you and your loved one.