Hiring an Aide from an Agency

While an aide from a reputable agency may appear to cost more for per hour, there are many advantages. 

To find a reliable agency, you can check with family and friends, doctors, hospital social workers or case managers, or check with any local agency for seniors. 

Senior support agencies can give you referrals to other services in your area, like home health agencies, doctors, rehab facilities and hospitals.  Many have their own services that might be right for your situation.  To locate senior services, try your local phone book, your library, or any senior organizations. 

In our area of central Florida, we have a county Council on Aging.  They provide an number of services and references, such as a volunteer service that calls seniors living alone, meals in-home and at central dining locations, activities, transportation for medical appointments, in-home domestic help, adult day care, nutrition, and even case management for seniors without family nearby to co-ordinate the services they need. 

Make a list of agencies you learn about and check out each one to see what services they provide, their costs, what insurance they accept, etc.  Some may only proved home health care like nursing and physical/occupational therapy directed by a doctor.  Some can only be paid for by Medicare after a hospital visit.  Others can provide aides or domestic help that may or may not be directed by your physician. 

Some of the benefits of using an agency is that their employees are already screened.  The agency performs the background and health checks, training and supervision.  If an aide from an agency is injured at a client's home, they will be covered by the agency's insurance.  The agency pays all taxes and social security payments.  The agency will also provide substitutes when an aide is ill or has days off.  You can also be confident that the aide will be honest, respectful of their clients, and discreet in not discussing personal information with others.

Again, a good personality match is necessary for your parent to be comfortable with aide you choose.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the agency before you make a commitment and will be able to request another aide if one does not work for your situation.