Want to stay in your home? But worried you will not be able to manage on your own? You may want to look into in-home caregivers. From help with housekeeping and shopping to meal preparation, in-home caregivers make life easier. Talk to your friends and family about your budget and available options. They may be able to recommend agencies in your area or help you decide what is right for you. You can also dial 2-1-1 and talk with an Elder Care Expert about the various home care agencies in your community.
In-home Caregivers
Finding the Right Caregiver
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In-home Caregivers
In-home caregivers can be available around the clock, part-time, hourly or on an as-needed basis. Before beginning your search, evaluate the level of care you need so you know what you're looking for.
- Homemakers help with house keeping, laundry, running errands, shopping and meal preparation.
- Personal care assistants, on the other hand, help with things like bathing, dressing and other daily tasks.
- Home health aides help with personal and medical tasks. From grooming and bathing to assistance with more complex health care needs, home health aides are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide more in-depth assistance.
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Finding the Right Caregiver
It is strongly recommended that you hire a caregiver through a professional agency. An agency will not only help you find the right caregiver, but they will also handle payroll, provide coverage for sick or absent employees and address any problems or concerns that might arise. You will also be able to seek legal recourse if something goes wrong-which is not the case with independent care providers. There are hundreds of home care agencies in our community. Call around before you choose a home care provider to find the one that best meets your needs.
We highly recommend using an agency to find the caregiver that is right for you. However, if you do decide to hire someone independently, make sure to:
- Conduct an in-depth interview with each candidate in person.
- Be specific and honest about the requirements of the position.
- Discuss salary and offer to pay wages weekly or bi-weekly-and never agree to pay wages in advance.
- Request work and personal references, and check them carefully. Ask about reliability, trustworthiness, punctuality and the candidate's ability to handle stress.
- Consider doing a professional background check. Ask your local police department, legal aid or lawyer for the names of companies that perform this service.
- Always read contracts carefully and consult someone you trust before signing anything.
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Order Resources
Click here to order free resources on in-home caregivers.
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Helpful Links
Elder Options of Texas
Interfaith Care Partners
Senior Guidance Directory & Caregiving Handbook
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