Caregiver jobs are growing in the US. The demand for home care aides is expected to rise by 41% over the next five years. This means that home care agencies need to focus on caregiver recruiting in order to compete for clients.
Getting Referrals
The best way to find a caregiver is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and family if they know of someone who would be a good candidate for you. You can also check out job boards and online forums, as well as classified ads in newspapers.
You can also look at local community resources and programs, such as the New York State Coalition of Caregivers (NYSCC) or AARP I Heart Caregiving program. These organizations offer training and support to family caregivers, while raising awareness of their needs in local communities.
Consider Your Needs and the Quality of Care You Expect
What you need in a caregiver depends on your situation, your loved one’s age, medical condition and whether they require specialized services such as Alzheimer’s care or medication management. You may also want to consider the cost of hiring a private caregiver. If you are unsure about this decision, you can talk to your health insurance provider or the Medicare-approved home care agency.
Qualifications and Experience for the Job
A homecare aide should have relevant skills. They should be able to take your loved one on outings, perform daily activities such as bathing and dressing, and provide assistance with medications. They should also be able to communicate with your loved one and understand their needs and desires.
Be sure to review references and do a background check on the person you plan to hire. You can also check with the DMV to confirm their driving record.
When it comes to compensation, you’ll need to decide if you’re paying a flat rate or hourly. You can also discuss performance reviews and potential raises and bonuses. You can also set up a schedule for payments, such as weekly or bimonthly. You can even discuss holiday pay and vacation time guidelines with your caregiver.
Personal & Professional Ethics for the Caregivers You Work With
As a home care agency, you’ll need to make sure that your caregivers follow a strict code of conduct when it comes to your clients’ safety and the wellbeing of the people they care for. It’s especially important to do this when working with a vulnerable population, such as children or older adults.
Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels offers in-home care for seniors in most states. They employ a network of over 20,000 caregivers who provide companionship, meal prep, medication management and more. Their rates vary by location and the level of care needed.
They’re based on a fee structure that pays caregivers an average of $13 to $19 per hour. To get the most accurate price for your home care needs, contact a local office.
CareLinx
CareLinx is an online platform that helps connect care seekers with caregivers. It doesn’t employ or recommend caregivers and is not responsible for their conduct. However, it does have a large database of qualified caregivers and provides a range of tools to help you screen and interview prospective employees. It’s a good option for small, privately owned home care agencies and can help you keep a consistent supply of caregivers available to meet your clients’ needs. find a caregiver near me