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Fraud Tip of the Day - May 4
Caregiver Hiring Tips
When hiring a caregiver, it's important to make sure they're both capable and honest because they often assist our most vulnerable citizens.
Home aides play a vital role in the lives of those who are aging, injured or otherwise unable to handle day-to-day tasks such as bathing or
cooking meals. Taking care of these duties allows people to retain their independence despite their infirmities. Unfortunately, there have
been many instances where individuals with criminal records have managed to find jobs as caregivers. Would you knowingly allow an ex-con to
care for your mother? Failing to fully investigate a caregiver could lead to dire consequences. Thieves live to exploit and take advantage
the vulnerable. Employment as a caregiver gives a criminal all the opportunity they need. The question is, what can you do to make sure you
aren't allowing a thief into you or your loved one's home? We have several tips to help guide you through the important process of hiring a
good health agency or aide.
How to hire a good caregiver:
- Check them out. Some agencies are Medicare-certified. If an egency isn't Medicare-certified, check to see if they're licensed, which some states require. The
Joint Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, Inc. provide voluntary credentialing for agencies.
- Get referrals from geriatric care managers or doctors.
- Meet the aide before he or she begins caring for you or a loved one.
- Talk to other families that have worked the aide.
Questions to ask an agency:
- Do they do background checks as a part of their hiring process?
- How they handle turnover?
- Are their aides salaried?
- Do aides receive benefits?
- How are aides monitored?
We also advise that you make unannounced visits at different times of the day or week. Ask the patient in private about the care, observe
how the aide and patient interact, and engage the aide as a partner. You can learn more by going to www.medicare.gov and searching for
"home health."
If you have a problem with a Medicare-certified agency or aide, call your state's home health hotline or the Medicare hotline at
1-800-633-4227. For issues with other agencies or aides, contact your state health department or the Better Business Bureau.
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