“Insights from a Certification For Long-Term Care (CLTC) webinar,” CLTC
““If you’re going to hire private caregivers, you need recommendations, you need to do background checks, and your due diligence,” says Geriatric Care Manager, Susan Kelsey.
The recent arrest of a home healthcare provider in South Florida underscores the importance of doing homework before choosing a provider.
Miami police say the aide stole her patient’s condo after duping her into signing a quit claim deed to transfer the real estate.
“I had somebody tell me they wish they Googled the person’s name because there was an article about that person fired from their school job. Look for online reviews of agencies. Talk to people.”
Other considerations Kelsey says to keep in mind when hiring a private aide:
- What kind of training does the caregiver have?
- Does their expertise match your needs?
- Do you have a backup if the aide isn’t available (e.g., sick, vacation, personal appointments)?
- Are there restrictions on the hours the caregiver can work?
Kelsey says planning for how to pay for long-term care is also important.
“Home care is expensive,” she says. “It’s twice as much as going into a nursing home. People think nursing homes are the most expensive. If you have help 24 hours a day, it can cost nearly $260,000 a year!”
CLTC lead instructor, Bill Comfort, says extended care is the “greatest uncovered liability facing every American in retirement.”
“That’s why long-term care insurance is a critical piece of a retirement plan,” he says. “If you’re nearing your 50s, start looking at coverage options now. Work with an independent specialist who represents different companies and different types of policies. Don’t buy the first coverage presented, especially if it comes with a high-pressure sales pitch.”
LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform:
Kudos to CLTC for all they do to train, educate and proselytize for LTC knowledge and professionalism.
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