Aging And Entrusting Your Loved One’s Care

Michelle Barton-King, Esq., 

Partner at Boyd Richards Parker Colonnelli

Chairperson of the Board of United HomeCare

305.716.0710 or visit

unitedhomecare.com

Entrusting someone with the care of your loved one is probably one of the most important decisions you will need to make in your lifetime. When deciding whom you will entrust, consider that this person will have access not only to your loved one’s home but also to his or her life. It’s important to put safeguards in place to protect your loved one and your family.

Should you choose a home care agency or hire privately? While hiring privately may seem economically appealing, there are some important questions to consider before entrusting your loved one’s care to someone else.

1. What are their references and credentials? Are they licensed or certified to provide care to older adults? 2. How long has the caregiver or home health care provider been in business? 3. Is the home health care provider bonded and insured? 4. Has the caregiver (agency or independent caregiver) passed an Agency for Health Care Administration Level II national criminal background screening? 5. Are there backup caregivers should the caregiver you hired become ill, and are they background screened and bonded? 6. Who will be supervising the caregiver to ensure proper care is administered? 7. What type of care will your loved one need—24 hour or a few hours? 8. Do you have a care plan that meets your loved one’s needs?

Do your due diligence. You don’t want to find your loved one in harm’s way. Not everyone is trained or specialized in caring for the elderly, and not everyone has the patience or compassion to deal with the challenges of aging, so do your homework. It will pay off in the long run.

United HomeCare® is a nonprofit home health and community care organization that has served South Florida since 1974. We are dedicated to excellence in home care – helping you or someone you love live at home independently and with dignity.

If you or your loved one are considering home health care services, contact United HomeCare at 305.716.0710 for more information because “There’s just no place like home.”

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