Types of Home Care Services
Learn about the care options available for your loved one in Twin Falls, ID
There is no doubt that home care services have helped many older adults remain independent despite challenges they may be facing as a result of their age. However, finding an option that works best for you and your loved one may prove a bit tricky.
It is important to do as much research as you can about the options available to your loved one before making a decision. That is why we put together this short introduction to services available in Twin Falls, ID. We want you to make the best decision for you and your loved one.
Typical Home Care Services
A senior caregiver will usually provide the following services:
- Light housekeeping
- Companion care and conversation
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Bathing and grooming services
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Specialized care for seniors with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Business Structures
These home care services are provided by caregivers from all business structures, including employment-based agencies, registries, and independent caregivers. Let's take a look at all three business structures:
- Employment-Based Agencies - These are often corporations, subsidiaries or franchises. The plus side of hiring a senior caregiver through an employment-based agency is that they take care of everything. Their employees have passed rigorous background and reference checks and are insured, bonded and licensed. These caregivers have a proven track record of helping seniors on a day-to-day basis. Employment-based agencies also have plenty of replacements should an emergency come up.
- Registries - Registries are companies who just gather information on senior caregivers but do not employ them. This means that they act as a sort of middleman in the introductory phase between the client and caregiver, but do not take on any of the liability and responsibility of hiring home care services professionals. Seniors who hire caregivers through agencies are considered their employees and are responsible for dealing with their employment taxes and insurance. Although registries do perform background checks on the caregivers in their databases, they do not train them. This is not a viable option for all seniors.
- Independent Caregivers - An independent caregiver can really be anyone. They can be family members or just community members helping out seniors for a fee. They do not have to pass background checks unless the senior employing them requests one and they may not be insured.
Have more questions about the types of services and care providers? Call us today at (208) 874-0664. We are happy to help!
