Internet " Senior Care" sites. ?????????

fuzzybuddy

fuzzybuddy

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Location
The Sticks, Northeast PA.
I live in a semi-rural area. I'm 72, in a wheelchair and can't drive anymore. The cheapest place for me to live out my life is in my home, by hiring help. I can't afford a "home". There are a lot of internet " Senior Care" sites, which have cropped up over night. Has anyone any first hand history with any of these sites? What are some security tips?
 

I have never, but I would start with the American Red Cross. They give good training to caregivers.

Be sure the caregiver is licensed and insured. Ask for proof and check it out. Don't give out your key.

Be sure your home or even apartment has liability insurance in case the carer accidentally falls or is injured on your property d/t your negligence.

I'm sure others will have more ideas.. good luck! :)
 
If you are talking about the "companion care" services, where someone comes into your house for non medical help, I used to work for one of those places. One thing to remember it is all out of pocket payment for you. Your medical insurance will not pay. My role for the people I helped was to drive them places, if needed, in my own car. Sometimes it was for someone just to be there for company. I may help prepare lunch, do some light housework, help with laundry. I was not allow to pass meds, but could hand the person their pill bottles.
I know that a good agency will fully vet their employees, reference checks, etc. You can get references about the company as well. What else would you like to know? Granted, I last worked for one of these agencies about 15 years ago, but I am sure they have not changed a lot.
 

I would try to find a local person with a good reputation that needs parttime work.

Another thought would be to piece the assistance you need together from various sources using meals on wheels, UBER, a cleaning person, etc...

Good luck, fuz!!!
 
I found out it sounds good, but it ain't happening.
I found out that a lot of people and groups promise a lot, but really can't deliver. For instance, one site had "volunteers" ready to help with groceries. Turns the nearest "volunteer" was over 100 miles from me. I found out that a lot of "programs" , both gov, & others, are more wishes than actual reality. With the economy doing so well, most people aren't looking for a few extra $$$. I hate to mention this, but the older you get, the more vulnerable you become.
 
So sorry Fuzzy.

Do you have a Senior Center in your area? Many mobile seniors do volunteer work locally.

Ask your doctor about insurance covered home health workers nearby- or senior care services at your local hospital. If you're in a wheel-chair I would think some home care would be medically necessary.

Maybe your church can find local help for you?
 
have any internet searches in your own locale turned up anything - I would be amazed if there was nothing, I live in a small village of 3000 approx which has its own HACC's org : Home and Community Care program - providing transport for shopping and other errands ; delivery cheap hospital lunch each day if reqd ; run social gathering and events to stimulate the mind? etc etc - they have even taken me and my dog to the vets when needed?
 
One of my son's works for one of those companies. He make it clear to me, DO NOT trust them.

Naturally, I had to ask him why he would work for a company that can't be trusted, and I guess I can understand his reasons. He said he has a girlfriend, and in order to stay where she is, he has no choice, as she lives in rural Indiana. I said "Indiana? No way I could live there. Too many cornfields. It would remind me of living in Illinois."
 
I would contact the local senior center for recommendations. Also try the churches to see if they might put the word out. I have been a nurse for many years…and my mother’s best home help was a young, strong woman with absolutely no training. I taught her to do transfers…it worked very well for us.
 
I found my housekeeer through word of mouth. She is a gem annot only does the housework but also the laundry and trash, gets my mail. SHe has been with me for over 3 yrs and I totally trust her.

Ask around to folks who do use someone and connect with a helper tha way.
 
My house is not insurable, so I hesitate to allow most anyone on the property who is not an employee of a licensed insured employer. UBER, for example, I understand is not an employer, their people are independent contractors. Unacceptable, for me.
 
Axel Slingerland said:
One of my son's works for one of those companies. He make it clear to me, DO NOT trust them.

Naturally, I had to ask him why he would work for a company that can't be trusted, and I guess I can understand his reasons. He said he has a girlfriend, and in order to stay where she is, he has no choice, as she lives in rural Indiana. I said "Indiana? No way I could live there. Too many cornfields. It would remind me of living in Illinois."
Click to expand...
discussing services etc on an American forum with a substantial amount of members from other countries from the entire globe is fascinating ; enjoyable but also fraught with misunderstandings - what i quote about a topic etc is Australian based not USA ; I have no direct experience with services in your country - that's OK though I remain very interested and do realize that sometimes we are trying to compare apples with pears?
 

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