How to Choose the Best Caregiver for Someone 

At Elder Advisors Law, we understand it can feel overwhelming and confusing when it comes time to choose the best caregiver for yourself or someone to assist a family member. This is a highly personal decision you want confidence in moving forward, so here are some of the most important things to remember as you scout out possible caregivers.

How to Know It’s Time for a Caregiver

Perhaps a spouse or other family member has taken on these additional responsibilities over the last several months or years. Still, there are also signs that someone needs more consistent, additional, or advanced help in the home.

Here are signs that an independent loved one is unable to care for themselves any further or that a temporary caregiver like a family member needs help:

• A current caregiver is suffering from their own health issues, is overwhelmed, or no longer has the time required to assist
• The person needing care is experiencing loneliness or depression
• The person needing care shows a lack of personal hygiene, sudden weight loss, or indications of malnutrition
• There are unpaid bills, stacks of mail, or important paperwork ignored throughout the home
• The home has numerous fall hazards that require help navigating, such as deeply pitched stairways or step-in bathtubs
• The person needing care is unable to perform daily tasks like cleaning
• The person needing care has no food, inappropriate food, or spoiled food in the home

Choose the Best Caregiver to Suit the Need

Once you decide that further help is needed, it is extremely important to dedicate time to researching and communicating with potential caregivers.

There are many possible solutions to your problem, such as engaging a friend or family member you already know or hiring someone from a private company. A clear understanding of what help is needed will help you pinpoint the specific services and time commitment required.

Here are some of the most common professionals providing care services and what they do:

• Home health aides check vital signs and manage activities of daily living (such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. HHAs must have 75 hours of training and may hold licenses from the state.
• Personal care aides do not hold licenses and can serve as companions and helpers, such as picking up medications or offering appointment rides.
• Skilled nursing providers (LPNs) provide direct medical care that a nonmedical or home health aide cannot, such as administering IVs. They may also be trained in speech, occupation, or physical therapy.
• Certified or licensed nursing assistants take vital signs, monitor infections, clean catheters, assist with walking, and change dressings. Any medical tasks are performed under the direction of a nurse practitioner or registered nurse. CNAs can also help with personal care. Nursing assistants must complete at least 75 hours of training.
• Registered nurses hold an associate’s degree or nursing diploma and have passed a National Council Licensure Exam. They can advise family members, operate medical equipment, administer medications, and provide direct care. As such, they typically cost more than all other aides.

How to Find a Caregiver

You may want to start your search by letting other trusted friends and family know what you need. You never know who can recommend you to a registry, agency, or person providing those services. You can also communicate with local healthcare agencies, nonprofits, or churches who may have referrals to these services.

How We Can Help

We appreciate the care required to choose a caregiver. Our Elder Advisors Law team in Janesville or Wales, Wisconsin, can assist in navigating the complexities of finding and managing caregivers, ensuring that seniors receive the care they need in a safe and legally sound manner.