Learn More About Different Elderly Home Care Options Available In Wichita, KS
Comfort Keepers is one of many different elderly home care agencies available.
Before you decide on a professional elderly home care option for your senior loved, there are many factors to consider. Although this kind of research may seem somewhat confusing for someone who is not in the industry, it is actually easy to grasp all the legal and other matters once you gain a better understanding of the different types of home care available.
Standard Home Care Services
Depending on the particular care needs of the client, the majority of elderly home care agencies and independent caregivers offer customized care plans that are usually a combination of:
• Companionship care – This type of care comprises of light housekeeping, laundering, meal preparation, medication reminders, grocery shopping, running errands, incidental transportation and accompaniment, and more.
• Personal care – Personal care plans can include assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, transferring and positioning, feeding, and more.
• Specialized care – These are services designed to cater for clients with special care needs such as around-the-clock care, live-in care, transitioning home, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Business Models Available
The American caregiving industry sector is divided into three main business structure frames: employment-based agencies, registries, and independent contractors. Knowing the difference between these business structures can save you money and enable you to provide better care for your senior mom or dad.
Employment-Based Agencies
Agencies operate as corporations, subsidiaries or franchises. Opting for elderly home care services from an employment-based agency offers many benefits. First of all, the agency covers all the fringe costs, meaning there are no additional or hidden expenses for the client. Additionally, employment-based agencies run background and reference checks, provide training, mandatory education, and certifications, and meet all other requirements that ensure a high quality of service.
Registries
Registries act as intermediaries between clients and available caregivers. The main difference between employment-based agencies and registries is that registries do not employ, train or oversee registered elderly home care providers. Registry members are classified as contract laborers and the client is typically considered as their employer. Before hiring a professional caregiver via a registry, make sure to inquire about their employment and insurance arrangements.
Independent Caregivers
An independent caregiver can be anyone - a close friend, an acquaintance from the neighborhood or someone who is active in the community. When hiring an independent care provider, keep in mind that you will be their employer, meaning you will have to run checks, cover fringe costs, and provide extra training if needed. You will also be responsible for overseeing the caregiver.
If you need any further information or guidance, please contact our Wichita, KS, office today. Comfort Keepers personnel is fully employed, bonded, and covered by workers compensation insurance. We are happy to help!
