Guide to hiring an in-home caregiver

Our comprehensive resource for safely hiring private in-home care

Recognizing that a loved one needs help is a journey almost everyone will take. Even when you know it will likely happen, nothing can really prepare you for how to navigate this new chapter in your relationship.

Most families respond by doing what they can to keep a loved one safe and at home. Everyone pitches in to provide the care they have time for. But, at some point, you and your family might find yourself struggling to meet the growing care needs of your loved one and realize it is time for professional help

How to know when a loved one needs in-home care

There are two main ways that older adults typically demonstrate a need for care. The first is more gradual, with more signs showing up over time. In the second case, an injury or illness might initiate the need to begin care at home.

Gradual need

Your loved one may show a barely perceptible, gradual decline. Then over time, you begin to notice that your loved one is falling more often, not showering, losing weight, having trouble managing the household, or forgetting medications. A look in the refrigerator may reveal spoiling food or very little food. You may notice growing signs of cognitive decline, such as memory problems, confusion about paying bills, and missing doctor’s appointments.  

Sudden event

In some cases, a traumatic event, such as a fall, a stroke, or heart attack upends what once was a stable situation. Recovery from major medical events is often complex with different stages of healing, and a return to previous levels of functioning isn’t always possible.  

However your loved one’s care needs progress, at some point, caregiving duties and tasks become too much for family or friends. It might be time to look into the options for professional, in-home support: an agency or a private caregiver through an online company. Let’s look at the benefits of hiring your own caregiver and what you need to make the experience safe, affordable, and positive for everyone.

How to protect yourself when hiring care

Hiring a caregiver does come with responsibility and risk, but there are easy ways to protect yourself. Most importantly, seek a platform or agency that provides workers’ compensation and liability insurance, so your financial assets are protected.

If you hire through a job board or under the table without insurance or the protection of a platform or agency, you’re financially liable for accidents or injuries that occur in your home, putting your finances or even your home at risk. 

Herewith offers protection for household employers on our platform with an exclusive offer of workers’ compensation insurance, included for no additional charge in your cost of care. In addition, we also provide caregivers with free access to  professional liability insurance of up to $1 million. 

Why is workers’ compensation insurance essential?

Many people don't realize that homeowner's insurance does not protect your assets if someone working in your home gets hurt. Most states, including Indiana, require household employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for household employees, such as in-home caregivers for seniors. This insurance will reimburse an employee injured on the job for qualifying medical expenses and lost wages. 

If you hire without a workers’ compensation insurance policy, you or your loved one may be personally liable for an injured employee’s medical expenses and lost wages. These costs could be high.

We’re excited to offer families hiring care on the Roo Work’s platform workers’ compensation insurance, at no additional cost, for a safer hiring experience and peace of mind.

Hire safely, through Paid.care

Our journeys to find care may all be different, but we all want the best, safest care for our loved ones. Partnering with Roo Home Care LLC and Paid.care, with our support and guidance, will empower you to choose the caregiver you want and be in control of communication, scheduling, and care duties.  

We know that finding the right care for your loved one can all seem overwhelming and hard to navigate. But we are here for you every step of the way, with live agents ready to answer the phone at any time, day or night. 

Have a question about in-home care solution or want to see if you qualify for a Medicaid paid family caregiver program?

Give us a call at (812) 247-6017