Finding the right caregiver for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important and personal decisions you can make, but the process can be overwhelming, with numerous factors to consider, from cost and scheduling to the unique needs of the person receiving care. For families searching for a caregiver in Mesa, AZ, navigating this journey can be time-consuming and daunting.
However, one smart choice can simplify the process significantly: hiring a caregiver through a reputable home healthcare agency. In this article, we’ll explore why choosing an agency-hired caregiver is a decision that ensures compassionate, qualified, and reliable care, offering peace of mind to families during this crucial time.
Qualifications for Being a Caregiver in Mesa AZ
As with many professions in the healthcare field, several qualifications must be met in order to become a caregiver in Mesa AZ. Many care professionals who work as caregivers receive training as a CNA, or certified nursing assistant, and CNA training is part of the pathway to becoming an LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered nurse).
In order to become a caregiver in Mesa AZ, potential CNA applicants must be a legal resident of at least 16 years of age, and must undergo a background check. Individuals must also complete a nurse aid training and evaluation program, and pass a written and skills test. CNA certification requires at least 120 hours of training, with a minimum of 40 hours of clinical training. Once the potential care professional is certified as a CNA, they must work as a nursing assistant for a minimum of eight hours every 2 years to remain qualified to work as a caregiver or aide.
For people looking for the right care professional, evaluating and understanding qualifications is an important consideration. Without thorough vetting, you could hire someone unqualified for the care they promise to provide. In order to find a properly qualified care professional, many people choose to hire through a home healthcare agency, as agencies perform thorough checks on care workers before hiring them.
Cost of Caregiving
Finding a caregiver in Mesa AZ, or anywhere else, has the potential to get costly. As much as we’d love for it not to be, expense is often a huge factor in how we weigh our options when trying to find care providers. Cost is often considered when choosing between hiring an independent caregiver versus hiring an agency. Typically, hiring independent workers to provide care carries a smaller hourly cost compared to hiring a caregiver through a home healthcare agency. However, finding a care professional through an agency instead of choosing an independent worker often carries several material benefits that outweigh cost.
Hiring through an agency ensures that the caregiver providing services has been subjected to a full background check, and that the care professional in question is protected by the licensing and bonding agreements of that agency. Unlike when hiring through an agency, if an independently contracted caregiver is injured on the job, the hiring party – that’s you – could be held liable for any associated costs, as most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover independent caregivers working in the home.
Hiring through an agency also means greater coverage in case of emergencies! Unlike with caregivers working as independent contractors, home healthcare agencies have a roster of competent caregivers who can step in if a patient’s usual care professional becomes unavailable for whatever reason, even on short notice.
Additionally, hiring a care professional through a reputable agency is a much more cost-effective option than full-time care options, like assisted living. While hiring a caregiver in Mesa AZ can vary in cost based on the services being provided and duration of service, assisted living in Mesa can be costly, with the estimated median cost in the area being around $5,300, according to seniorly.com.
Analyzing Availability
Every patient is different, and so is what they need from a caregiver, and even when they might need one. Individuals who require visits from a care professional aid don’t do so on a simple, easy to plan out timeline, either. Unlike a lot of other professions, caregiving is not something that maps easily to a 9-5 schedule.
While some patients may require visits from a home healthcare professional for a few hours multiple times a week, others may need overnight care, or visits that last longer than a typical eight-hour workday. Flexibility is essential for both caregivers and the agencies that employ them, ensuring they can consistently provide solutions for patients, regardless of when or for how long services are needed.
Every Care Professional is Different
Besides cost and availability, finding the perfect caregiver also depends on the caregiver themself! In order to make sure the person being cared for is not only safe but content, it’s important to find a care professional who can meet their needs while being able to build a positive, nurturing relationship with the client. It may seem like a small consideration, but patients who form a strong rapport and trusting relationship with their care provider will be more receptive to treatment.
Sometimes, even with the most careful vetting and with the best professionals available, a caregiver-patient relationship just doesn’t work out for the parties involved. This is another way in which hiring independent contractors to provide care can make the process harder. If the caregiver selected isn’t the right fit for you or your loved one, working with a trusted home healthcare agency can make switching caregivers easier and a much more seamless process for everyone involved.
Brightwood Health is Here For Anyone Needing a Competent, Compassionate Caregiver in Mesa AZ
Finding the right care professional for your needs and circumstances can feel daunting, but working with the right home healthcare agency can be a huge help. For anyone looking for a caregiver in Mesa AZ, Brightwood Health offers a wide range of services, including respite care, transitional care, homemaking services, and much more.
At Brightwood Health, we employ dedicated, compassionate care professionals who work to connect on a personal level with patients while consistently providing them high-quality care. We offer a tailored approach based on the needs of each individual we serve, as well as individualized care plans, with a pricing structure that addresses different levels of needed care. For more information on our wide range of services and to learn about how we can meet the unique needs of your loved one, give us a call at (480)-718-7180 or contact us today!