Questions to Ponder when Choosing a Care Giver
Choosing a Care Giver for yourself or a loved one is among the most important decisions ever. Arranging for in home care can be difficult; often families are reluctant to make a life altering decisions. It is vital that the right Care Giver is chosen for the job. Ask yourself the following questions and make an informed decision:
- What screening processes have been used to check the background of the Care Giver?
- Has the Care Giver been cleared through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)? (Finger printed?)
- Does the Care Giver have a valid Illinois Drivers License?
- Does the Care Giver have proof of valid Illinois liability car insurance?
- Does the Care Giver have any DUI, misdemeanor, and / or felony convictions?
- Is the Care Giver a Unites States citizen or proof of eligibility to work in the USA?
- Does the Care Giver speak, read, write, and comprehend English?
- Is the Care Giver bonded and insured?
- Is the Care Giver covered by liability insurance?
- If not, does the client have enough liability insurance to cover the Care Giver in case of accident?
- Can the client withhold, file, and remit federal income taxes, state income taxes, and all Social Security taxes?
- Is there an ongoing training program available for Care Givers?
- Is there a supervisor overseeing the Care Givers work?
- Is there a registered nurse overseeing all clinical aspects of the Care Givers and Supervisors duties?
- Is there a quality control program in place?
- Does the agency have a license issued by the State of Illinois to conduct business?
- Is the agency licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)?
- Is the same Care Giver sent to the same person to the extent possible?
- Are Care Givers personally introduced to the client on the first visit by agency personnel
- Is there a free evaluation of services completed in the place of residence?
- If a Care Giver calls the agency to say that he / she is unable to work that day, does the agency supply another Care Giver to fill the gap?
- Are there daily records kept?
- Is the owner of the agency personally involved in daily operations?
- Can someone from the agency be reached twenty – four (24) hours per day to answer questions and / or concerns?
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