Hiring a Private In-Home Caregiver Part Two

By Kathleen Doman, Community Care Manager

What will it cost me to provide bonding insurance for my private caregivers in case something is stolen or broken? Traditional homeowner's insurance typically requires a sizeable deductible per claim. Should an employee steal or break something valuable, and they are bonded, it is guaranteed that you will be reimbursed any losses that your insurance doesn't cover, including your deductible.

Do I have to provide Workman's Comp (WC) for my privately-hired caregivers? WC costs vary from state to state and typically rates change each year. WC costs also depend on how many employees you have. If you don't carry WC on your caregivers, and they get hurt on the job, even if it is through no fault of yours or theirs, in most states you will need to pay their medical bills, their wages while they are unable to work, and wages for someone to provide care for your loved one while they are off work.

What happens when my private caregiver calls off? Great agencies provide their clients with a phone number that is personally answered by a familiar staff member (not an answering service) 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Because they have an extensive roster and familiarity with your loved one, immediate relief with little or no inconvenience to you is the norm.

How can I be sure my private caregiver is at work on time and I am paying them correctly for what they are doing? Great agencies have daily and weekly steps to ensure all care providers are prompt, hardworking, and diligent. Supervisors collect timely data, complete forms, and review signed records to ensure their clients are charged correctly and the highest quality of service is provided.

We have long-term care insurance. What are the insurance company's requirements in order to process our claim? Different companies require different things. Some require the billing party be an approved provider. Some require an RN perform assessments. Some require that a doctor provides a plan of care. Some require a state tested/certified nurse's assistant be hired. Some require daily records of care, and most require all of the above. Great agencies have a skilled billing staff to ensure you receive all the benefits your loved one deserves.

How will I handle an employee problem or performance issue? Handling problems can be uncomfortable for most of us. A great agency will handle all such problems.