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How to Hire a Private Duty Caregiver

Easily Find Caregivers That Match Your Needs

Sherwin Sheik

President & CEO

Carelinx

Appreciation is extended to:

• Baptist Health Foundation

• Carelinx

• Methodist Healthcare Ministries Foundation

• The South, West, & Central Consortium Geriatric Education

Center of Texas (SWAC-C GEC)

• Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services in San Antonio, Texas

• Prior Trust

• Many other individuals and organizations who support the

mission of mmLearn.org

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How to Hire a Private Duty Caregiver

Easily Find Caregivers That Match Your Needs

Sherwin Sheik

President & CEO

Carelinx

• 1 in 4 Americans currently caregivers for loved one.

• 90% of Seniors want to age in place (in their home)

• Next 20 years # of people over 65 will double (71m),

roughly 20% of the US population.

• Traditional Agencies markup cost ~75%, >$40k/ year.

• Hiring privately will save you nearly $10,000 per year.

The Need For Home Care Touches Everyone

Assess Needs & Make a List of Requirements

• How much help is needed? Hours per day?

• What duties would you like the caregiver to

perform and how often? • Activities of daily living, errands, meal preparation, bathing,

grooming, transportation, etc…

• Any specialized care? Dementia, incontinence,

etc..

• Any assistance needed at night?

How to Find & Hire a Private Caregiver

• Hiring a caregiver to come into your loved ones home or to provide additional care in a facility is stressful.

• How do you know who to trust?

• How do you know who will be a good fit?

• How do you know how much it should really cost?

• Do you need to add a caregiver to your home insurance policy?

A Compatible Caregiver Is Very Important

• What are the qualities a caregiver would need to make the environment safe and happy for everyone? • Gender • Age • Languages/Culture • Religion • Experience/Credentials • Hobbies/Interests • Personal Habits/Personality • Lifestyle

Interviews Are Everything! Ask Detailed Questions

• Make sure they have passed a recent background check. • ID, DMV, Criminal, Sex Offender, Credentials

• Ask for references to check if they have the relevant experience for the type of care you need.

• How do you feel around them? You must see yourself or loved ones getting along with them.

• Personality and cultural compatibility is critical.

Hiring Privately Saves Money But Has Requirements

• Do you want to hire a caregiver that is an Employee or Contractor?

• Employee- You are legally responsible for paying taxes and benefits (Social Security, Income Tax Withholding, and Unemployment Tax).

• Contractor- You are responsible for filing a 1099 form with the IRS on any wages you pay over $600 per year.

• CareLinx will help you manage these requirements

Create a Care Plan & Outline Expectations

• Outline your job expectations to the caregiver

• Compose a weekly schedule for shifts, care needs, doctor appointments, and errands.

• Create an “Emergency Contact List” including, family contacts, doctors, emergency response wishes

• Do you require assistance • dispensing medications each week?

How To Ensure Continuity of Care

• Hire more than one caregiver for multiple reasons.

• Avoid caregiver “burnout” and absent shifts by

hiring two caregivers (“Reliever”).

• Checks and balances. Holds accountability.

• Documentation: make sure the caregiver records care

notes for every shift worked. Share with team:

• Clinicians, Physicians, Case-Workers, Family,

Caregiver Supervisor or Care Manager.

Lookout for Red Flags and Monitor Performance

• Set expectations quickly and provide constructive feedback regularly during the first two weeks.

• Terminate quickly if things don’t feel right and if performance is not meeting expectations.

• Keep personal records and documents in private location.

• Do not allow caregiver to utilize residence or property for personal use. Set boundary's early on.

A Happy Home Is A Well-Run Home

• Keep the lines of communication open.

• Schedule informal meetings. Ask the caregiver how things are going.

• Is there anything you can do to provide better support?

• Frequently show your appreciation and gratitude.

Q&A Session

Thank You