Chris Treftlin – Shine at Home
When searching for homecare services, most people don’t know where to start. This is why so many families do not consider homecare as a first option. Their paradigm, their way of thinking, automatically goes to a senior’s community. They assume that Mom or Dad will be safe, well fed, will meet new people, and the stress of the unknown will be taken away. Certainly, seniors living does check many of those boxes, but a life well lived does not always consist of checking boxes.
There are the intangibles like the big challenge of downsizing, not that we could not all use a serious dose of downsizing. There is the feeling of loss around personal independence. Real and perceived, I can tell you this is usually the greatest concern that my clients tell me about. And of course there is the cost. The monthly cost ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per month depending on where you are in the province, while the [1]median income for a single senior is $3,033 per month. So, you do the math. For many seniors, a community option is not in the budget.
Done well homecare can fit the needs of the prospective seniors, be tailored to the individual requirements for independent living, and not break the bank.
Here is where I am going to talk about the most important part of the homecare equation. If services like housekeeping, personal care, grocery shopping etc. are being considered then you will want to make sure the person/people delivering those services are right for the job, have the right qualification, and are right for you.
Here’s How
By asking the right questions. You want to make sure the organization you are considering has a track record. Make sure they have a history of success. Ask your friends in the community about the service provider. Add to this an online search and check out the website. Do they have testimonials/recommendations. Focus on the testimonials, because the website will say all of the right things. The testimonials are done by humans not bots; hopefully better information will come forward for you.
Here is where you can get the best information. As you discuss what services you may want with a prospective service provider make sure there is flexibility and a customizable program for what services you need and the amount of time required to provide the service. Next, and here is what I want you to take away from this article. Make sure the people/persons delivering the services see the work as a calling and not a paycheque. Unfortunately, the only way you can learn this is by asking the service provider direct questions about their recruitment process. That is hiring, training, and retention. A serious organization will be happy to discuss this. A not-so-serious one will struggle.
Does the organization do multiple interviews? Do they do reference checking from previous supervisors (Not personal references). Do they do what is called a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). This is a background check that uses the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system. Client centered organizations make having a clear VSC a condition of employment.
Does the employer offer training to its staff? Is the employer compliant with Occupational Health and Safety Standards? Does the organization carry Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage since the home is the workplace when any service provider has staff in your home.? Whether it be a contractor doing renovations, or a housekeeper. Coverage needs to be in place for the staff, and for you. Also, does the organization have appropriate liability coverage? A progressive operator, well run organization will make this investment in their customer. The organization must provide the WSIB certificate on demand. If they won’t it probably means they can’t. Run, don’t walk in the other direction. Same with the liability coverage. An insurance certificate should be made available on request.
So, you have done all of that, and you have a Housekeeper, PSW, Care Attendant in your home. Here is where the art of personal relationships comes into play. I can tell you from my experience that when done well the relationship with the Housekeeper, PSW, and Care Attendant very quickly surpasses that of the organization. It is not the organization coming to the client. It is Lisa, Brenda, Kelly, Mira, Isabel Georgette, Pam…,
And that is how it should be.
