Blog: Aging at Home

No matter how many good arguments might be made for a senior to leave home, remaining where decades of memories were created is often the best reason to stay.

In fact, industry surveys tell us that upward of 90% of seniors plan to age in their homes. However, issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, mobility problems, and other debilitating aspects of aging do, in fact, make it more difficult for older adults to stay in their homes. That said, the care options available today can provide the support needed to enable many older adults to remain at home.

Whether you’re researching options for an elderly parent or getting an early start on collecting facts for your own future, keep in mind that there are three types of professional home caregivers: agency employees, independent contractors with a registry, and independent caregivers.

Agency employee: Most agencies hire caregivers who are screened, trained, bonded, and insured (like those employed by Home Instead Senior Care franchises). The agency handles taxes and other employment obligations and coordinates support between the family, caregiver, and client.

Independent contractor: Independent contractors are recruited, screened, and referred to the consumer by a registry. The senior becomes the employer and is responsible for hiring, scheduling, and paying taxes. Because the independent contractor is not covered by worker’s compensation, the senior employing him or her assumes that risk.

Independent caregiver: Independent caregivers are responsible for finding their own clients. They are not screened by a third party and are not covered by workers’ compensation. An independent caregiver may or may not have liability insurance and be bonded, and may or may not have training and continuing education.

Families often encounter caregiver stress in navigating the stages of senior care. Professional caregivers and other resources are available to help. Why not start looking into your options today.

-By Jeff Huber

Reprinted with permission by grandmagazine.com. Get a free subscription of Grand at grandsub.com.