Starting the search for in-home care can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down helps.

First, assess your family member’s needs. Write them down to share with the agency and caregivers. Think about what kind of help they require - medical, personal, or household tasks.

A licensed in-home care agency can assist with all the Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Basic Physical Care:

Bathing or showering
Dressing
Toileting (using the bathroom)
Mobility (walking, standing, sitting)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):
Medication reminders
Shopping for groceries
Housekeeping (light cleaning, cooking)
Preparing meals
Using the telephone or other communication devices
Personal hygiene (grooming, brushing teeth)
Once you have a good idea of the service needed, research local agencies and ask your community for recommendations. Get phone numbers or emails for several.
Talk to different companies on the phone – get their rates, ensure that they are licensed and that their caregivers are state-registered. Make sure you feel you and your family member’s needs are understood.
After you decide on an agency, set up a schedule and start care.
Sign a contract that states the rate you will be paying. The contract should not have any obligation so that you can assess and stop service at any time.

More Information:
Agencies licensed by the state of California confirm that the following are completed:

Background Check (Thumbprinting)

Training

Tuberculosis Screening

California requires that caregivers be paid as employees. This means home care agencies manage taxes and cover workmen’s compensation for all caregivers. Families that hire independently need to set up fairly complex systems to manage their financial relationships with caregivers.

It’s helpful to remember that you are practicing self care by getting help for your loved one. You might be their primary caregiver so getting help gives you the chance to shift modes and show up for your loved one better after a break.

Many people struggle to accept help. It’s so important to develop the ability to accept help. Getting assistance before it is urgent can ease some people into accepting the greater help they are going to need eventually.