RESOLUTIONS

Many resolutions have been made across our fine country in recent days. Some will be remembered, some will be forgotten. Others will wind up in the nebulous regions of “in progress”. Most of us have experienced all three outcomes.

Family caregivers – the spouses, sons and daughters who spend much if not all of their time taking care of a loved one – have a particular challenge when it comes to resolutions. It starts with something like, “I promised my mother we would never put her in a nursing home”.

Caregivers help seniors maintain their independence and dignity while remaining in their own home. While this sounds simple, it isn’t. Many resolutions for family caregivers this year will be, “I need to find some help”.

If this resolution is yours, the following will be of some help in getting started:

First, there are two kinds of caregivers; Companions and Aides. While both will perform ‘homemaker services’, only Home Health Aides or Certified Nursing Assistants are licensed to provide ‘personal care’. Personal Care pertains to the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s); eating, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing and ambulation. Remember, only professional Home Health Aides (or CNA’s) are trained and licensed for this kind of service.

Second, there are four levels of professionalism; Independents, Companion Services, Contractors and Employees. An Independent Caregiver will often come with references but not have any insurance, training or license; a Companion service is not licensed for personal care, so their caregiver cannot touch any one, thus limiting their value; Contractors will be referred by a ‘Registry’ who will have done a background check, but they will be responsible for their own basic insurance as well as tax withholdings and not be covered by Workman’s Compensation. The Employee will be provided by a ‘Home Health Agency’ and have full screening, references, liability insurance, Workman’s Compensation, bonding, supplemental driving insurance as well as company management for scheduling and quality control.

Third, terms are like other services; there will be price differences, but no one should ask for a long-term contract, although you will most likely be asked for a retainer in advance. Billing will be hourly and payment is usually handled on a weekly basis.

Finally, rates will range from 15 to 20 dollars per hour depending on the type of caregiver, the number of hours and the level of service you choose. Ask questions, compare, be clear on security and coverage issues and know whether you are dealing with an independent, a companion service, a registry or an agency before you decide. Above all, know what form of business relation you are creating.

Your Resolution to act should result in a lasting Resolution of your challenge and an improvement of the quality of Your life going forward in the New Year!

Paul Cain, Ph.D. is the Owner and Operator of ‘Comfort Keepers’ located in the University Commons Business Complex at the Southwest corner of Military and University in the Jupiter/Abacoa area. The company covers the Northern Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast by providing Caregivers who - as screened, insured, bonded and trained employees - serve as Homemaker/Companions or Home Health Aids, as client needs require. Dr. Cain lives in Jupiter and is a nationally known speaker, author and business consultant. He can be reached at the ‘Comfort Keepers’ office - 561-694-1950 for further information.