Finding a caregiver in Wisconsin for an elderly or sick relative is a fairly simple process
Finding a caregiver is a necessity for many Wisconsin families, as grandparents, parents or other relatives age or become ill. Services are available statewide from a range of sources. The Wisconsin Department of Human Services offers comprehensive information and search services, including an official registry of caregiver misconduct or abuse. At least one non-profit community organization offers referral services, as do a number of private vendors, such as caregiver employment agencies.
Instructions
1. Know what you're looking for before you begin your search. The cost of caregiver services is based on a graduated scale, based on credentials and skills. A registered nurse will cost more than a licensed practical nurse. A licensed home care aide will cost less than a nurse, but more than a mere companion with the most basic skills. The differentiating factor in the equation is the general condition and mobility of the person getting the care. The more ill, or less ambulatory, the patient, the greater the need for caregiver skills and the higher the cost.
2. Use a home care registry. A home care registry provides a list of qualified in-home caregivers in your area who have been screened. Referrals are made at no charge to you or the caregiver. In some areas, especially major cities such as Milwaukee, community service organizations maintain home care registries. An authoritative resource is the Wisconsin Quality Home Care Commission, an entity within the Wisconsin Department of Human Services that offers a comprehensive registry that can be searched by various criteria, such as type of care, credentials or location. The state also offers a Home Health Care Hotline that can provide immediate assistance and can be reached by calling 800-642-6552.
3. Use a caregiver agency. Caregiver agencies employ the caregiver on your behalf and manage all tasks such as payroll, insurance and regulatory compliance. In return for the service, agencies include a profit margin in the hourly rate they charge you. That rate can range from $20 to $50 an hour, depending on what level of home care you are paying for. A number of national agencies refer searchers to a local affiliate. One established resource is Homewatch CareGivers. Senior Magazine offers a directory of home care providers in Wisconsin. Yet another good option is a non-profit care management organization, such as CareWisconsin.
4. Check for misconduct. The Wisconsin Caregiver Misconduct Registry, maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Human Services, is a comprehensive, regularly updated record of the names of caregivers who have been found guilty of misconduct and abuse. In addition, even if your candidate has a clean record with the state, ask the agency or other entity making the referral to provide documentation of screening, including a criminal background check.
5. Get to know your prospective caregiver before you engage them. Have a personal conversation to make sure you're comfortable with the person and that they seem comfortable with you. Then repeat the exercise with the person who will be receiving the care. He or she must feel comfortable, too. If the chemistry isn't good, look for another candidate.
Tags: home care, Department Human, Department Human Services, Human Services, Wisconsin Department, Wisconsin Department Human
