If you find that the person you care for needs more help than you can provide, or you don’t feel comfortable providing the kind of help that’s needed, then it may be time to look at hiring an in-home care provider. It’s critical to consider getting help before caregiving responsibilities put your health at risk. Everyone, especially the care receiver, is affected if your health fails.

In-home care is generally categorized into skilled care and in-home support services. Skilled care is medical care provided under a doctor’s direction by health care professionals. It includes things such as wound care, home dialysis, and physical therapy. In-home support services (non-medical care) include help with grooming and dressing, meal preparation, housecleaning, and companion care.

Two main options for hiring in-home help are: (1) employing a home-care agency; or (2) hiring an in-home worker privately. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. One advantage to hiring workers privately is that they are usually more flexible and charge less than an agency; however, it takes more time and effort. You must assume employer responsibilities, including screening applicants, paying taxes, and supervising the worker. You also need to have a back-up plan to cover absences and vacations. Some community agencies have registries of in-home workers they have screened.

The advantage to working with an agency is that the agency has employer responsibilities. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a quality agency. Also a national network of state and area agencies on aging provides information about community services in any area of the country. Contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1166 or www.eldercare.gov.

The publication, Hiring and Working Successfully with In-Home Care Providers, offers guidance in following an 8-step process for hiring in-home help.

STEP 1 — Learn about in-home care services

STEP 2 — Develop a profile of care needs

STEP 3 — Write a job description

STEP 4 — Find out about legal, financial, and tax issues

STEP 5 — Decide whether to hire on your own or through an agency

STEP 6 — Screen and interview applicants

STEP 7 — Check applicants’ references and backgrounds

STEP 8 — Sign an agreement

The publication also discusses considerations in developing effective working relationships with an in-home care provider, including what constitutes a good orientation, considerations in training or coaching a new worker, supervising in-home help, constructively handling problems, and ending the working relationship. You may download this publication at extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/pnw/pnw547.pdf.