Maybe you’ve noticed that everyday chores like cooking or food shopping have become too hard for a loved one. Or perhaps they’re struggling to get dressed or bathe on their own. If that sounds familiar and you need some support to manage it all, it might be time to hire a home health aide.

A home health aide is a caregiver who comes to your loved one’s home regularly. They help with daily living to-dos. And they check on your loved one’s well-being. But bringing in someone from outside the family can be a bit nerve-racking. Of course, every family has its own needs and expectations for a caregiver. And you want your loved one to feel comfortable and safe.

To help you make the best decisions for your family, here is some helpful information about getting started — and smart questions to ask as you move forward.

Understand Your Options

Before you hire a home health aide, you have a big decision to make: Should you choose an independent caregiver or use an agency that employs home health aides? Here are some of the main differences between them.

• Independent caregivers may cost less than an agency. That’s because they don’t have the expenses of running a business. The average national rate for a private caregiver is about $14 an hour. Agencies charge about $20 an hour, on average.
  
  With an independent caregiver, you also have more scheduling flexibility. You can make a schedule that works best for your loved one’s needs. The biggest downside? The person you choose may not be as thoroughly vetted as agency caregivers. 
   
• An agency will perform more background checks on their employees. Also, agencies can offer backup care. Say your everyday caregiver calls in sick. The company can quickly get someone else to fill in. You also know what to expect from an agency caregiver, since everyone on the staff is trained the same way. And they have a rule that the caregiver should stay until the next one arrives, if the person has around-the-clock care.
  
  One more advantage of agencies: They can handle administrative hassles. That includes paying employment taxes and making sure the caregivers have proper training or licensing. You will have to do those things on your own if you hire a caregiver independently.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Finding a Caregiver

Before you start your search, ask yourself and your loved one these key questions. Answering them can help guide your decisions.

1. What types of activities does your loved one need help with? A basic home health aide can help with chores like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Do you need someone who can also offer medical services like giving medications? If so, you may need to hire someone who has medical training.

2. Do you need a caregiver with specific experience? For example, you might need a home health aide who has cared for people with memory issues. Or perhaps you need someone who can speak more than one language.

3. How many hours of caregiving services per day or week does your loved one need? If they live alone, you may want an aide who can check in regularly and give companionship.

4. Do you have backup care handy if your everyday caregiver needs time off? For instance, can you or someone else in your family easily step in? If the answer is no, you might want to opt for an agency.

5. How much can you afford to pay per hour or per week? Keep in mind that Medicare often covers skilled home health services. Examples include nursing and physical and occupational therapy. But Medicare typically will not pay for basic home caregiving. Making meals or doing laundry is not covered. Does your loved one have long-term care insurance? In-home housekeeping tasks are usually covered in those plans.

6 Questions to Ask Caregivers Before Making a Hire

You will likely have your own list of questions to ask that are specific to your loved one and their needs. But here is a list of common things to ask while you’re interviewing a home health aide.

1. Can we meet you in person before we hire you? This is a great chance to make sure the caregiver’s personality works with your loved one’s. 

2. What are your credentials? If the aide says they are licensed, check with the licensing body.

3. Can you share references? Ask for recommendations from at least 2 employers. Check them thoroughly.

4. How much do you charge? Be sure to find out which home health services are included in those fees. At the same time, ask if there are any duties that they won’t do.

5. What about payment for sick days, vacation days, and holidays? Be clear about how many sick days and vacation days are allowed. Also make it clear which days you consider holidays. You might give the home health aide the day off and still pay them. Or you might pay them extra since it is a holiday.

6. Do you stay awake during overnight shifts? It’s important that a home health aide is alert during their shift.

Finding the right caregiver can take time. But it’s time well spent. So do your research. Arm yourself with the right information and questions. And don’t be afraid to go with your gut. If a potential caregiver checks all the right boxes and your loved one seems comfortable with them, there is a good chance you have found your match.

[Source:]

[1] “Healthy Aging.” Mayo Clinic, October 17, 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/home-care-services/art-20044609. Accessed August 5, 2022.