Choosing a Caregiver March & & 14, 2015 Presented by Jenny Cokeley
Before You Set Off on This Journey, You Need to Know Where You re Going. What are your goals? What s important to you? What do you need? What are your preferences? 2
What are your goals? Even though I need some help at night, I want to stay at home. I want to stay involved in my community. I want to live by myself again as soon as I get strong enough. 3
What do you need? I need a little help with bathing on Mondays and Thursdays. I need a lot of help with getting dressed in the morning. I need someone to help me everyday to get out of bed, get dressed, and make breakfast. 4
What s important to you (Priorities)? It s important to me that I have a choice as to who my caregiver is. It s important to me that I attend church every week and do things in the community that I ve always enjoyed doing. It s important to me that my caregiver do things the way I like them done. It s important to me that my caregiver pass a criminal records check. 5
What are your preferences? I prefer to shower after dinner on Mondays. I prefer a female caregiver help me with my personal care. I prefer a caregiver who is talkative and energetic. I prefer a caregiver who doesn t smoke. I prefer a caregiver who is willing to learn even if he or she doesn t have a lot of experience. 6
Putting the Pieces Together Goals Stay at home with help during the day Priorities Choice Safety Active Needs Bathing Dressing Lunch Medications Preferences Female Non-smoker Experienced Safe 7
Where Do I Find Caregivers? The Oregon Home Care Commission s Registry (www.or-hcc.org) In-Home Agencies (www.adrcoforegon.org) Advertisements Word of mouth Bulletin boards Community colleges and universities 8
The public can access the registry 24 hours per day/ 7-days per week. 9
The registry is an online matching service. Seniors and people with physical disabilities Intellectual/ developmental disabilities Children and Adults Statewide Individuals experiencing mental health disabilities 10
Matches the consumer with a listing of providers who: Have passed a background check; Can provided the requested services; Are available on the days and times needed; Have completed desired trainings 11
Post Help Wanted Ad 12
Consumer Personal Statement 13
The Homecare Choice Program The Homecare Choice Program is a new program for private pay individuals and their families that s all about CHOICE. CHOICE of qualified provider from the Commission s Registry CHOICE of services CHOICE of when and how those services are provided 14
How The Homecare Choice Program Works Consumers uses the Registry to identify service needs & select a provider Consumer purchases services through the Commission A fiscal intermediary with the Commission pays the provider & withholds taxes on the consumer s behalf 15
Private Pay Consumer Completes a Self- Assessment & Selects Services Interviews & Selects a Provider of His/Her Choice & Enters into a Written Service Plan Sets the Schedule Oregon Home Care Commission Contracts with a Fiscal Intermediary Establishes Available Services Determines the Payment Rate Fiscal Intermediary Enrolls Consumers & Providers Generates Timesheets Withholds & Reports Taxes Directs & Supervises the Worker Sets Provider & Consumer Enrollment Criteria Pays Providers Tracks & Verifies Hours Were Worked Provides Information About Community Resources Reports Information to the OHCC 16
Do I Want to Hire My Own Caregiver? Advantages Usually less expensive than using an agency. You get to choose the worker most compatible with your preferences and needs. Greater flexibility with the worker s schedule and responsibilities. You can negotiate wages and benefits with the worker. Disadvantages The time involved with locating, interviewing, & checking references You are responsible for training and supervision. It is up to you to develop a backup plan in of case worker absences. You are responsible for payroll, including deductions and taxes 17
Things to Consider When Hiring a Caregiver Have a candidate fill out an application. Conduct a through interview. Take the time to check references. Negotiate a fair wage based on the caregiver s skills. Set clear boundaries and expectations. Set house rules. Develop a job description so everyone is on the same page. Trust your instinct! Have a back-up plan. Meet the legal requirements of being an household employer (IRS Publication 926). 18
Contract Information Cheryl Miller Executive Director Jenny Cokeley Homecare Choice Program Manager Registry Cheryl.m.miller@state.or.us 503.378.2733 Jenny.e.cokeley@state.or.us 503-378-8190 www.or-hcc.org 1-877-867-0077 Select Option 1 19