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How to Find the Best, Most Trustworthy Caregivers

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.

 

1. Eldercarelink

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.

 

Go to AARP

 

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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  1. 61 Comment(s)

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. By WebmasterBlog on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply

    Great article. I always love to read your articles. Keep them comming.

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  5. 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!

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. By kelly on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    we have nice communities in our area , you can afford here

  9. By Bungie on Aug 26, 2008 | Reply

    Very nice tips. Thanks for sharing!

  10. 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

  11. By zulsdesign on Sep 1, 2008 | Reply

    great link! :D

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. By Daniil on Sep 21, 2008 | Reply

    Very interesting.

    Daniils last blog post..Креативная реклама

  15. 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

  16. 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 :-)

  17. By Adi on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks for the tips ;)

    Adis last blog post..Hitamku

  18. By Hijau on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply

    Thank for useful information

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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.

  22. 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

  23. By Free Ebook on Dec 9, 2008 | Reply

    Nice tips, thank you

    Free Ebooks last blog post..Stored Procedures in PL/SQL

  24. By balifinder on Dec 24, 2008 | Reply

    Yeah, nice information. i love this.

    balifinders last blog post..Crowded Tanah Lot, Bali

  25. 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

  26. By Alex on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Thank you for your post. This is a great articles.

    Alexs last blog post..Bankofthewest

  27. 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.

    joe comps last blog post..Exhibitions In My Town

  28. 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

  29. By design contest on Jan 30, 2009 | Reply

    Hi i like your post the pics are awesome..
    thank you keep posting…

  30. By Mick on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply

    Great article, the links are really useful. Thanks for your post.

    Micks last blog post..http://www.wachoviabank.com

  31. By joe on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply

    Very nice article.

  32. 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.
    wamucards, wamucards review.

    Regards!

  33. By fiedoom on Feb 8, 2009 | Reply

    good information, thanks you

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  34. By lara on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply

    Nice website for every one

  35. By Champ9022 on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply

    This is most wonderful article that has been posted

  36. 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.

  37. 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

  38. By Ize on Feb 15, 2009 | Reply

    wow. this is really great. thanks for sharing. :)

    Izes last blog post..A Prayer

  39. By Bob on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply

    Thank for good information.

  40. 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!

  41. By J. Ibanez on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply

    When I read this I remember my Mum and papa. Thanks for sharing.

    J. Ibanezs last blog post..Show Ads to Search Engine Referred Visitors Only.

  42. By Rain on Mar 3, 2009 | Reply

    you blog is excellent!

  43. 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

  44. By Kara on Mar 20, 2009 | Reply

    Great tips, Thanks for sharing.

    Karas last blog post..http://www.freeannualcreditreport.com

  45. 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.

  46. By Sharon on Mar 30, 2009 | Reply

    Great information, thank you.

    Is there a social network (like facebook) for parents?

  47. By Ahsannifty on Apr 8, 2009 | Reply

    Thank you for sharing this information.

  48. 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

  49. By Care Giver on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply

    Great article, choosing a caregiver is a decision never to be taken lightly.

  50. By Manop on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    Good information, thanks you.

    Your site so lovely :)

    Manops last blog post..myeasypayment

  51. 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.

  52. By Henry on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply

    Great Article about aging.. add some humor

    Henrys last blog post..Food Court Musical

  53. 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!

  54. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. 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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  57. By peple on May 11, 2009 | Reply

    Thanks, we love this article very much.

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  58. By healthy on May 22, 2009 | Reply

    Nice post, thanks you for share.

    healthys last blog post..Swine Flu Map

  59. 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.

  60. By admin on Jun 10, 2009 | Reply

    Yes it’s called: http://agingparentsauthority.ning.com/ please join us…

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

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