Recognize the Risks of Hiring a Private Caergiver in Palm Desert, CA

October 3rd, 2010 | Author: lisa
I have touched on this topic a number of times but recent increases in media coverage of elder abuse and theft from private caregivers requires that families and seniors be aware of the dangers and other risks in hiring private caregivers.

The primary dangers and apparent risks are:

1. Most private caregivers are not having background checks completed. A full service agency completes a background check on every applicant and up to 30% of those applicants fail our background checks. Where do you think they go to find work? They are private cargivers able to work because they won’t be subject to a criminal check.
2. Private caregivers do not carry liability insurance nor are they bonded thereby creating a risk to the families and their elders.
3. Private caregivers are usually do not pay their share of payroll and Social Security taxes. The IRS or State payroll agency can demand payment from your loved one for those obligations.
4. Also private caregivers do not carry workers compensation and if they hurt themselves caring for your loved one they can file a claim against the senior and their assets or home.
5. Private caregivers typically violate State law by performing tasks that they are not trained or authorized to do. This puts your loved ones at risk for their health.
6. Private caregivers are as a group not trained properly nor do they keep their skills current with ongoing inservices.
7. When a private caregiver gets sick or needs time off there are no respite options.
8.There is no follow-up supervision of a private caregiver as there is with a caregiver from a full service agency.
9. The national newspapers and internet media carry stories on eldercare abuse and theft from private caregivers and there is much more of those types of activities going unreported.
10. A full service agency continually monitors a caregiver’s crimminal background and DMV records for any changes that may prove a danger to a senior.

The risks are obvious and represents a placing a loved one in danger.

ComForcare Home Care Services-Palm Springs, CA & Lisa Marie Blaskie RN, CCM, CSA provides home care & elder care in-home services in the Coachella Valley area. In addition Lisa is a Case Manager and works with seniors & their families To get help in selecting other care options for an aging loved one call @ 800.993.2945