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What do you do when you or a loved one can’t get through a day without help? It’s a problem most families face sooner or later, and it’s a thorny one. When it comes to choosing a caregiver, there are many factors to consider. One option is to have an adult child move in with the care recipient or vice versa so that there’s always someone on hand to run errands and provide companionship. But sometimes a move isn’t feasible. Another choice is a retirement home that provides services on site but moving out of one’s own home and into an institution can be a hard sell.

In-home caregiving can be a perfect middle ground. For an average of $21 per hour, you can hire a caregiver to provide aid in the care recipient’s own home. But caregivers can provide a wide range of services. Some people only need help with errands that require heavy lifting, while others need help with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, or need medical care. What are the types of caregivers, and how do you find one who is qualified?

Skilled Care and Custodial Care

If you need caretakers to change an IV or a catheter, you will have to hire someone with a medical license. Look for the words “skilled care” or “home health care.” If you don’t need any assistance that requires medical training, you need “custodial care,” “home care,” “personal care” or “attendant care.” These attendants will help the individual with activities of daily living, known in the trade as ADLs, like cooking, cleaning, bathing and dressing.

Types of Licenses

In some states, caregivers need a license to operate. However, even if you live in a state where that isn’t the case, it’s best to find a licensed caregiver. A Home Health Aide license is a qualification for a custodial caregiver; HHAs cannot perform clinical tasks, but can manage a patient’s medication and help with ADLs. A Certified Nursing Assistant, who reports to a nurse, is qualified to care for a patient who is ill even if the patient needs to go to a hospital or other medical facility; CNAs are qualified to change wound dressings and help patients by bathing them or changing sheets.

Companion Care

Most caregivers, whether medical or custodial, are purely professional with their patients. However, a companion’s duties include socializing with the care recipient. For some elderly people who feel isolated in the home, a few hours a week spent chatting or playing cards with a companion can feel essential.

When it comes to choosing a caregiver, there are plenty of decisions to make. However, knowing the right terminology can make the choice as painless as possible.

Elder Care Problems and Solutions Webinar

Caring for an aging parent or family member can be challenging and stressful. Click here to watch the Sandoval Legacy Group webinar “Elder Care Problems and Solutions” for a live, in-depth conversation facilitated by Professional Geriatric Care Manager Carolyn Michaelis.

During the webinar Carolyn and elder Law expert, Dennis M. Sandoval, discuss many different elder care concerns, including finding quality caregivers. Don’t miss out on this very valuable webinar.

Click here to learn watch our webinar and download a copy of our free eBook.

Elder Abuse – How You Can Help

To prevent elder abuse, understand and address the factors that put people at risk. You can report abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman or the police. If you’re not sure where to turn but you suspect someone is the victim of abuse, start by talking to an attorney who focuses on these matters.

Estate Planning for the Elderly & Chronically Ill
If you have a chronic illness or disability, the time for you to prepare your estate plan is now. It may not be possible to prepare a comprehensive estate plan in the future, subjecting your estate and loved ones to costly court proceedings in the form of a conservatorship or a probate.

Trusted Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney

Creating an estate plan is just the beginning of your estate planning journey. Our team of experienced and trusted attorneys provide a comprehensive and integrated plan to ensure your legacy and protect your loved ones. We know discussing end-of-life plans can be difficult, but we approach this delicate conversation with respect and dignity. Our estate planning services cover all areas of elder law & probate based on your specific financial & health situation. Start planning today. Expert estate planning, elder and tax law attorney, Dennis M. Sandoval, and the Sandoval Legacy Group team area ready to assist you.

Contact A Southern California Elder Law Attorney

With thirty-plus years of experience as an estate planning and elder care law firm in Southern California, you will have the best legal minds to guide you. The team at Sandoval Legacy Group, A division of Holstrom Block & Parke, A Professional Law Corporation, have offices located throughout Southern California in Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles county. If you have questions or concerns regarding your estate plan, elder or tax law, or probate, contact us or give us a call at (888) 502-2881 to schedule a free one-hour consultation.