How to Find the Best, Most Trustworthy Caregivers
By admin on Mar 27, 2008 in Care
You're worried sick because you can't find a good caregiver for your aging parent.
You want to keep your parent home and out of a nursing home as long as possible but your parent needs 24 hour care and you've got a job and a family. To make matters worse, you live out of state.
You've searched and searched for good caregivers but you've only interviewed people that you don't really trust and you wouldn't leave with your helpless parent.
What can you do?
Now real help is easily available on the Internet. Here is a list of sites which will not only help you find the care you need, but also can give you a tremendous amount of extra information to help you get through this difficult time in your life.
This is a free eldercare matching service which can help you find qualified eldercare services in your area. (It receives fees from participating providers, not the clients.)
All you have to do is fill out a brief survey form about your needs.
For example, do you need non-medical home care, home health care, companionship, adult daycare, transportation, or household support services?
Eldercarelink can also find services for financial/investment advice, estate planning, long term care planning, care management and family counseling.
The survey will also ask you what other services you may need such as wheelchairs, canes, diabetic supplies, prescription services, and nebulizer treatments as well as meal preparation.
Go to Eldercarelink
2. AGIS Assist Guide Information Services
Founded in 1998 by Kevin Sypniewski because of his own family's care giving needs, the service has grown to include massive resources for the challenges of aging.
AGIS also has a brief survey you can take based on your zip code. This will help you find care giving services in your immediate area.
There is an added bonus of where to find local governmental help and community resources.
Some of the real gems of this site are the checklists for general care giving, home care support services, home safety and improvement, finding and assessing housing, help for family caregivers, health, legal and financial as well as end of life services.
For example Choosing a Geriatric Care Manager Checklist gives you the questions you should ask such as "if providing routine monitoring, how frequently do you visit the care recipient? How long are the visits? How do you supervise others working for you? Are you licensed by the state?"
There are also an Adult Daycare Center Checklist and an At Home Care Information Form.
Other sections such as Working with Doctors & Hospitals, Health Screening and Diagnostic Facilities, Needs Assessments, such as evaluating the older person's driving skills are information packed resources chocked full of quick step by step facts anyone caring for the elderly needs to know.
Last but not least, AGIS has a definition list of all the terms you should be familiar with such as "geriatrician", "respite care," and "elder rights & assistance".
Go to AGIS Assist Guide Information Services
AARP also provides a lot of helpful information about eldercare on its vast website.
What is different here is the large library of videos which are free and easy to use.
There is a good video on the basics of how to find a good home care worker. It covers how do to your own assessment if you don't want to go through an agency, and what kind of person you will be looking for, plus the level of care you will need.
The AARP checklist points out another vitally important tip. You will need to do a criminal background check of the caregiver.
You can't leave your parent with anyone who does not have good references or has a troubled background. There is too much at stake with your parent's helplessness.
Another important tip from AARP is you are the boss of your parent's care giving operation. Be prepared to let the caregiver go if your expectations are not met. It is your responsibility as the boss of your parent's care to hire, and if needed, to also fire.
Years ago, when my grandmother needed 24/7 care for three years we had a lot of difficulty finding good caregivers. It was as challenging as running a business and perhaps in many ways it was harder for my Dad, who was an only child. But thanks to the internet and emerging websites such as Eldercarelink, AARP and AGIS many of those problems have been solved.
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Tags: Care, caregiving for the elderly, caregiving gone wrong, facts about aging parents
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84 Comment(s)
By Debbie on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
This is such a great article.
So many people are faced with being a caregiver and eventually passing that role on to someone else. Thanks for enlightening us and providing links to professional resources!
Debbie
Debbie's last blog post..How To Eat The Food You Want And Never Gain Weight Again
By Brennan Kingsland on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for sharing this information. It's so important to learn as much as possible prior to a need. Then you won't be in a position of having to settle for whatever emergency arrangements you can make.
Brennan
Brennan Kingsland's last blog post..Muslim Homeschooling Quandary
By WebmasterBlog on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Great article. I always love to read your articles. Keep them comming.
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By Rose on Jun 7, 2008 | Reply
Great Links! I'm glad I found your site. It's nice to know that the topic of eldercare is being focused on now instead of brushed under the rug. My sister and I found our wonderful caregiver through a board and care home that we had our parents in last year. She is an ex-employee and one of the best I've ever seen in my parents' several stays at various facilities. We finally have her at home with them and she's part of the family now!
By Cactii on Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
My grandfather had Alzheimer's and it was really terrible. Finding good care is really important.
Cactii's last blog post..GPS Tracking Systems for Cars, Pets and People
By Aidan on Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
There are some fairly nice assisted living communities in our area… that's the way to go, if you can afford it.
Aidan's last blog post..North Korean trade rights to return after nuclear declaration
By kelly on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply
we have nice communities in our area , you can afford here
By Bungie on Aug 26, 2008 | Reply
Very nice tips. Thanks for sharing!
By Kyle on Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
Excellent article. Readers should also consider my website. http://www.thehomecaredirectory.com
It is a free and comprehensive search tool.
Directory Includes:
Home Care
Assisted Living Facilities
Hospice
Nursing Homes
Hospitals
Geriatric Care Managers
Job Board
Marketplace
Thanks!
Kyle
By zulsdesign on Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
great link!
By Loren on Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
I am getting close to the point where I may have one or two parents that will need some kind of care. This post was helpful.
Lorens last blog post..IBS and My Experiences
By John on Sep 17, 2008 | Reply
Great post thanks for sharing!
Johns last blog post..Getting Into DMoz – An Insight from a DMoz Editor
By Daniil on Sep 21, 2008 | Reply
Very interesting.
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By bartolomo on Sep 28, 2008 | Reply
Very relevant information for many of us. Thank you for the links. Another perspective is the need for personal health. Many times our generation has family both older and younger needing our support.
bartolomos last blog post..First Mile
By Life Insurance Monkey on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
This is a great article, the links are really useful. My auntie has Alzheimers and our family is going through a hard time deciding how best to care for me. Will point them in the direction of this piece. Thanks, LIM
By Adi on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the tips
Adis last blog post..Hitamku
By Hijau on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
Thank for useful information
By Suzanne on Nov 5, 2008 | Reply
Hello,
I am wondering if my article on How to help a family with a relative in a medical center might be useful for your readers.
Best,
Suzanne
Suzannes last blog post..Foreshadowing: Michelle Obama's Black Widow Dress
By Trent on Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Be careful of the caregivers! Some are actually great people that do this job because they care. However, I work in probate & more times than not, the caregivers hustle every penny and credit from the one that is supposed to be cared for. Forward all mail to yourself!!! Credit card applications are the worst & can ruin an estate.
Trents last blog post..How’d He Pull That?! – Marilyn Manson & Evan Rachel Wood
By Laurence Harmon on Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for this excellent article! The Internet is a rich source of information, but, particularly in the case of caregiving, there's a real need for informed, professional advice. The websites you cite are all outstanding; I'd like to add mine: http://www.greatplacesinc.com, which is specifically targeted to respond to the needs of Baby Boomers who are faced with the challenges of helping their aging parents.
By Stop Snoring Tips on Nov 22, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for this article
It's funny that the older we get, the closer we are to having to face the responsibility of having aging parents
A lot to be said for the old days when families i.e extended fsmilies lived togethrer in one community
By Free Ebook on Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Nice tips, thank you
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By balifinder on Dec 24, 2008 | Reply
Yeah, nice information. i love this.
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By Money Academy on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
nice article , i liked the links you included with your post ,i should learn and read this tips and informations
By Alex on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for your post. This is a great articles.
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By joe comp on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
indeed, i am agree with you.and i think this is good information for us.thank you.
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By Stephen on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I wish I would of found this post before Grams died, but I will keep it handy…My mom is getting up there now and I don't want to see her suffer like grandma did.
Stephens last blog post..Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival: Same Old Story
By design contest on Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Hi i like your post the pics are awesome..
thank you keep posting…
By Mick on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
Great article, the links are really useful. Thanks for your post.
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By joe on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
Very nice article.
By Eric on Feb 8, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for sharing your idea. I love it. Now, I get a new idea to find any caregivers for someone! This is really helpful for me. Thank you again.
ps. I still love this website,too.
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Regards!
By fiedoom on Feb 8, 2009 | Reply
good information, thanks you
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By lara on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Nice website for every one
By Champ9022 on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
This is most wonderful article that has been posted
By Hectic Capiznon Bloggers 2009 on Feb 14, 2009 | Reply
This is a very nice post, very helpful to those who have aging parents that needed extra "loving" care.
By G.a.i.a on Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
I'm taking care of my mom now, luckily she still can manage to do her basic needs without so much help, but I guess not for long. And I can't be 24/7 even if we live in the same house.
When the time comes to get a reliable caregiver, I wish I could have such a list in my hometown.
G.a.i.as last blog post..Keterwakilan Perempuan di Pemilu Damai 2009
By Ize on Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
wow. this is really great. thanks for sharing.
Izes last blog post..A Prayer
By Bob on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Thank for good information.
By Orchardbank.com on Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
This makes me think about my family. I haven't bought anything for my mum and dad for a long time. Thank you for reminding me!
By J. Ibanez on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
When I read this I remember my Mum and papa. Thanks for sharing.
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By Rain on Mar 3, 2009 | Reply
you blog is excellent!
By Paul U on Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
these are the times that we need to investigate everyone who are applying to be our caregiver.
Paul Us last blog post..Announcing my contest
By Kara on Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
Great tips, Thanks for sharing.
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By LCD enclosure on Mar 29, 2009 | Reply
This is something my wife and I have had trouble with, finding loyal and trustworthy child minders.
We have had 3 childminders until we were recommended by a friend a caregiver and she is fab. We personally have found to get recommendations works better for us.
Dave Allen.
By Sharon on Mar 30, 2009 | Reply
Great information, thank you.
Is there a social network (like facebook) for parents?
By Ahsannifty on Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for sharing this information.
By Isabelle on Apr 12, 2009 | Reply
I think one of the hardest parts of getting caregiver respite, although it is not often discussed, is overcoming the inevitable feelings of guilt that come up over taking time for one's self. Society is always sending us messages about how we should be caring of others (rightfully so) and it can be hard to override that temporarily. The key is the temporarily part. Just remember it is for them, too, so you can give your best.
Isabelles last blog post..Vitamin B3 Cholesterol Remedy Resurfaces
By Care Giver on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Great article, choosing a caregiver is a decision never to be taken lightly.
By Manop on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
Good information, thanks you.
Your site so lovely
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By admin on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
Isabelle, I think you hit on a very important point.
We have to get away from caregiving sometimes for their sakes and ours.
We can do a better job when we've had a little time to relax.
Thanks for writing us.
By Henry on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Great Article about aging.. add some humor
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By Bill on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
I can't imagine either of my parents in a home, but I guess anything can happen – they're not getting any younger! It's nice to know there are people like you who care!
By BenWL on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
This article simply reminds me what could happen to me if I'm getting really old and sick one day.
Caregiver is always there if you willing paying big bucks for that.
By Mobile Broadband Monkey on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
It's always difficult trying to find a carer in these situations. In the UK, AgeConcern and the Social Services do a great job in helping people. The main thing is not the lack of people / agencies willing to help – but rather more about finding these people and understanding what is available.
By true religion maternity jeans on Apr 28, 2009 | Reply
A very good list ..
Now i know there are a lot servicces in the internet .. Thank you for sharing
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By peple on May 11, 2009 | Reply
Thanks, we love this article very much.
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By healthy on May 22, 2009 | Reply
Nice post, thanks you for share.
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By Karen Jeselun on Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
The National Private Duty Association is another great resource for families. Caregiving companies have to meet certain standards before membership is granted. This can help to assure families that the person coming into their home has been screened, and are actual employees (not contractors) of the company. Be being a member of NPDA, the company agrees the conduct business to a higher standard.
By admin on Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
Yes it's called: http://agingparentsauthority.ning.com/ please join us…
By blessings on Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
It is really a blessing to take care of our elders and aging parents. In time – we will have our turn to be taken cared of. Life is both giving and receiving. And we have a part on each side to really feel alive.
By grocery bags on Jun 30, 2009 | Reply
This situation is so inevitable and you often have a double feeling: one is that you should take care of your parents by yourself and you’ll do it the best way possible and the other is that you are too busy to stay days, caring for the closest.
By Russ @ Baby Video Monitors on Aug 17, 2009 | Reply
It's problem we could all face and the decision as to whether to look after them yourself or find someone qualified is a tough one. For those caring for them personally why not invest in a baby video monitor? It can help ease the burden a little.
Russ @ Baby Video Monitors´s last blog ..Why We bought a Baby Monitor
By suze 100 on Aug 17, 2009 | Reply
That seems like a great option. I care for an elderly person part time and it is quite a handful so support is always appreciated.
By Sandro on Aug 17, 2009 | Reply
As I live in Italy, I cannot unfortunately take advantage of those services and facilities. Here, in the country with the most elderly in Europe, social services are just not enough, and the problem of caregiving is very much felt.
Thank you so much for your great site, and your helpful articles.
Sandro´s last blog ..Marcella Bella – Un sorriso e poi perdonami (1973)
By dannyppa0@Songs on Aug 18, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for providing such informative links to us. Really everyone should learn this to find such great idea to find any caregiver who has aging parents. Thanks
By beasiswa luar negri on Aug 22, 2009 | Reply
Thanks a lot for Caregivers recomend services. For me i just have used Eldercarelink so far.
But anyway, thanks a lot for this one, very useful!
Regards
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By Lawyer on Oct 11, 2009 | Reply
It's great that there is a way to research all these resources with a few clicks. Otherwise, it would take hours upon hours to make phone calls, wait on hold, etc.
By Seasons on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
Excellent information on the Caregivers services – this is hard to find. Keep up the work. Cheers.
By your health care on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
Having a best caregiver is what all patient wanted. I'm thankful that caregivers do their job well.
your health care´s last blog ..Eating Healthy Meals
By Pat@Dental insurance on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
We just put my motherinlaw in a facility. It was hard at first but they are doing a good job. The care will NOT be as good as if she lived with us still, but she and you will need to adjust.
By Betty Boop Cartoons on Oct 13, 2009 | Reply
thx for sharing these information
By dang rabbit on Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
I think elder daycare is a good idea if you do not want to put your parents into a nursing home. I'd generally only use a nursing home for the last few months if the care needed is greater than what I could provide at home.
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By Jeff on Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
Great topic. I think this is one of those issues that many of us don't want to think about, but which is extremely important. When you have to find help to care for a loved one, no question that you want to find someone qualified and caring.
Jeff´s last blog ..Solid Wood Writing Desks
By darryl@baby bargains on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
Great post by the way! Also had a look at your other posts…you have some great stuff there. Thank you
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By SEO Tips for Blogger on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for this great post!Now i know there are a lot of services!
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By Jennifer on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for providing a great list. I'm definately bookmarking this post for future reference!
By Physics Games Download on Oct 23, 2009 | Reply
That seems like a great option. I care for an elderly person part time and it is quite a handful so support is always appreciated.
By Avoid foreclosure in Las Vegas on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Come to think of it, it is a need to have a caregiver around when managing it 24/7 becomes impossible. Still, being their children, it is our main responsibility to take care them not other people handling them. I suppose it’s a matter of how we manage our time. Likewise, those links can come in handy when time comes.
By Josep L.S on Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for sharing your idea. I love it. Now I have a new idea of finding a caregiver for someone! This is very useful for me. Thank you again.
By Ali@para kazanma on Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
very cool ideas
thanks for sharing..
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By Dish Network on Dec 10, 2009 | Reply
A caretaker is a must, specially in old age. Rather, I would love to take care of my parents myself as much as I can and that also not only in their old age, but, always.
By Dish Network on Dec 13, 2009 | Reply
I don’t normally make comments on blogs, but this article really caught my attention. These are issues that are very relevant to my experience. A very informative article worth reading. Dish Network
By Dave@home improvements on Dec 19, 2009 | Reply
My mother works for Hospice and has for over 20 years, I have to tell you that caretakers are some of the most positive people in the world
Dave@home improvements´s last blog ..How To Get Rid Of Garden Pests
By John on Jan 4, 2010 | Reply
I dread to think what it will be like when I need care. In england they take your house to pay for it.
John´s last blog ..Orlando Vacation Rental Homes – Disney, Florida