Things You'll Need:
- Prepackaged Meals
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Step 1
Consult a senior family member's doctor or social worker for a list of quality home care agencies.
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Step 2
Check the yellow pages for a list of home care agencies.
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Step 3
Talk to a geriatric care manager for a home care agency recommendation. A geriatric care manager is usually a nurse, social worker or psychologist by training, and specializes in geriatrics.
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Step 4
Find out if a prospective agency does national criminal background checks for all its employees. Be aware that most agencies only do state background checks.
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Step 5
Make sure the agency you hire bonds its workers in case of theft. This way a senior will be reimbursed should a worker steal from his or her home. Also, make sure the agency has malpractice insurance.
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Step 6
See if the agency does pre-employment drug screening. Also, does the agency do random drug screening?
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Step 7
Know that a non-nurse companion or a homemaker will cost between $10 and $18 per hour. Companions help seniors with cleaning, cooking, laundry and errands.
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Step 8
Expect to pay between $17 and $25 per hour for a certified home health aid and between $30 and $55 per hour for a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
