Finding the right caregiver for an aging loved one involves a lot of work. Some companies make it seem as though they vet their employees carefully when they do little more than allow people to post ads offering their services. While it can be difficult to know who to trust, there’s a simple way to figure out whether a caregiver is safe to leave with your loved one. Background checks should be an integral part of your search, since they can sometimes reveal things you might not expect about someone’s personal or professional history.
Online Reviews and Personal References Aren’t Reliable
A search online for reviews may be a great way to determine if a new household appliance is a good one, but it shouldn’t be how you check into a caregiver’s history. Online reviews can be written by anyone, which means caregivers could write fake ones about themselves or have someone else post glowing reviews. It’s also possible that someone could love a caregiver without knowing he or she has an abusive past. Always look at personal reviews and references as being someone else’s experience that may or may not be true. Only a professional background check can truly reveal if a person has a criminal past.
Some Agencies Don’t Thoroughly Vet Employees
A home care agency simplifies the process of helping you find a caregiver, since they handle things such as initial screenings. However, one agency can vary significantly from another regarding their standards for caregiver selection. Ask if the agency you plan to work with conducts professional background checks. A professional background check covers more than you might be able to find out on your own. For instance, it can reveal criminal activity in other states as well as the person’s driving record and possible credit history. These types of details give more insight into a person’s character than you can get from an online review.
When you’re looking for compassionate home care for your loved one, search for agencies with highly trained, experienced caregivers. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care Albuquerque families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Protects Your Loved One’s Safety and Home Security
Caregivers work closely with seniors in their homes. Over time, they may gain access to personal information. The caregiver may also hold a key to the house or know security codes. You need to know the person you hire respects your loved one’s need for security, and making sure the caregiver doesn’t have a prior criminal history is the first step toward making sure he or she is honest.
For many seniors in Albuquerque, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Provides Your Family with Peace of Mind
Being a family caregiver is stressful, and hiring someone who provides home care services is meant to relieve that stress. With a background check, you can leave your loved one alone with the caregiver without having to worry about checking in or making surprise visits at the house. Your loved one will also feel happier knowing you’ve carefully vetted anyone you allow to provide him or her with care.
When searching for reliable Albuquerque home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 505-798-0800 today.
