Last year was unprecedented for most Americans, and many people have understandably welcomed 2021 with open arms and cautious optimism. But tumultuous times often result in permanent changes, Indeed, millions of families were introduced to video technologies like Zoom and home delivery services, such as DoorDash. Whether we realize it or not, our lives were forever changed in response to COVID-19.
2020 was specifically impactful for families and healthcare professionals seeking home care (caregiver) services. Some had considered in-home care for the first time, fearing coronavirus outbreaks at senior living communities. Others, such as “family caregivers,” discovered that help from professional aides could offset life’s newfound stress.
With that said, 2021 promises to be a year of continued change within the home care industry. Here are critical tips for families and medical professionals shopping caregiver services in the days to come.
COVID-19 & Safety
Thankfully, distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations has finally started, with at-risk populations and healthcare workers receiving priority status. But that doesn’t mean America is out of the woods just yet. Most experts predict several more months of outbreaks with a probability of continued “lockdowns” for Torrance, the South Bay, and the greater Los Angeles region.
This forecast means two things for older adults and their families. First, senior living communities are still high-risk when compared to aging-in-place at home. Second, home care agencies face extreme challenges that directly affect their patients/clients.
As we move into 2021, families should be extra careful when selecting a home care provider. They must investigate prospective companies’ COVID-19 mitigation protocols beyond the mere use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Specifically, one might ask about an agency’s plan of action when a caregiver or client contracts—or is exposed to—COVID-19.
Caregiving Vs. “Care Management”
California “non-medical” home care agencies have long operated in a laissez-faire environment, with the only significant state regulation emerging in 2015. However, some companies welcome higher levels of oversight. For example, BrightStar Care of Torrance is Joint Commission accredited. This third-party organization is recognized as the gold standard in healthcare accreditation and also surveys nursing facilities and hospitals.
But another agency distinction that promotes accountability and will prove particularly critical in 2021 is “care management.” All companies have caregivers, but few provide true care management. Home care aides usually complete duties to the best of their abilities. However, those who go it alone, without the oversight and instruction from a licensed registered nurse (RN), are less equipped to perform optimally.
Home-based patients may need onsite blood draws, infusion treatments, wound care, or other skilled nursing care that must be performed by a licensed nurse. Only an agency with dedicated care management led by a Director of Nursing (Registered Nurse) is equipped to monitor such needs. And only an agency with licensed nurses (Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses) can deliver on them.
Caregiver & Nurse Shortages
Caregiver and nurse shortages have been a reality for several years now. But the COVID-19 outbreak has exasperated the situation for most Torrance home care agencies. Nearly every caregiver company is limited in staff, and the differences are matters of degree. Therefore, families need to ask prospective agencies if they can reliably meet specific care needs and accommodate desired schedules.
Many companies, including BrightStar Care of Torrance, are fully transparent and volunteer an honest assessment of staffing capabilities. But unfortunately, less scrupulous ones might engage in “bait-and-switch” tactics, over-promising and under-delivering. When that happens, patients and families pay the price in the form of poor quality of care and unreliability.
Now, more than ever, families should prioritize home care agencies with positive online reviews and local presence. And a company without a website that is based 30 miles away and referred by a “friend of a friend,” might be especially risky in today’s climate. Families are wise to stick to those with strong community presence and agencies referred by hospitals, nursing facilities, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
“Private Hires” (Independent Contractors)
Some families choose to hire an “independent” caregiver directly to avoid higher agency bill rates. While this has always been a more affordable but risky alternative, it’s an even bigger gamble in 2021. Last year, California passed a law that further limits the use of “independent contractors,” as often discussed in the context of Uber and ride-sharing applications. Families are wise to conduct their own research on the legalities (or illegalities) of working with independent contractors. But the industry consensus is that caregivers can no longer serve in such a function under current law.
Beyond the legal considerations, COVID-19 also complicates the logistics of ensuring safety when working with non-agency caregivers. As previously addressed, responsible home care companies, such as BrightStar Care of Torrance, have virus-mitigation policies in place pursuant to CDC guidelines. They also ensure the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE). In most situations, an independent caregiver is far more likely to expose a vulnerable loved one to COVID-19.
Summary
At the end of the day, most Americans would agree 2020 was a year of profound change. But families shopping home care services need to realize that the caregiver industry was also dramatically affected by last year’s events and the continuing COVID-19 crisis. Those who perform due diligence will find the right care solution for their loved one. But research is critical, and it’s probably wise to avoid obscure agencies, and private-hire (independent) caregivers altogether.
If you’re seeking the best home care in Torrance, the South Bay, or Beach Cities area, be sure to call BrightStar Care today for a free assessment from our Director of Nursing (Registered Nurse)!
2020 was specifically impactful for families and healthcare professionals seeking home care (caregiver) services. Some had considered in-home care for the first time, fearing coronavirus outbreaks at senior living communities. Others, such as “family caregivers,” discovered that help from professional aides could offset life’s newfound stress.
With that said, 2021 promises to be a year of continued change within the home care industry. Here are critical tips for families and medical professionals shopping caregiver services in the days to come.
COVID-19 & Safety
Thankfully, distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations has finally started, with at-risk populations and healthcare workers receiving priority status. But that doesn’t mean America is out of the woods just yet. Most experts predict several more months of outbreaks with a probability of continued “lockdowns” for Torrance, the South Bay, and the greater Los Angeles region.
This forecast means two things for older adults and their families. First, senior living communities are still high-risk when compared to aging-in-place at home. Second, home care agencies face extreme challenges that directly affect their patients/clients.
As we move into 2021, families should be extra careful when selecting a home care provider. They must investigate prospective companies’ COVID-19 mitigation protocols beyond the mere use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Specifically, one might ask about an agency’s plan of action when a caregiver or client contracts—or is exposed to—COVID-19.
Caregiving Vs. “Care Management”
California “non-medical” home care agencies have long operated in a laissez-faire environment, with the only significant state regulation emerging in 2015. However, some companies welcome higher levels of oversight. For example, BrightStar Care of Torrance is Joint Commission accredited. This third-party organization is recognized as the gold standard in healthcare accreditation and also surveys nursing facilities and hospitals.
But another agency distinction that promotes accountability and will prove particularly critical in 2021 is “care management.” All companies have caregivers, but few provide true care management. Home care aides usually complete duties to the best of their abilities. However, those who go it alone, without the oversight and instruction from a licensed registered nurse (RN), are less equipped to perform optimally.
Home-based patients may need onsite blood draws, infusion treatments, wound care, or other skilled nursing care that must be performed by a licensed nurse. Only an agency with dedicated care management led by a Director of Nursing (Registered Nurse) is equipped to monitor such needs. And only an agency with licensed nurses (Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses) can deliver on them.
Caregiver & Nurse Shortages
Caregiver and nurse shortages have been a reality for several years now. But the COVID-19 outbreak has exasperated the situation for most Torrance home care agencies. Nearly every caregiver company is limited in staff, and the differences are matters of degree. Therefore, families need to ask prospective agencies if they can reliably meet specific care needs and accommodate desired schedules.
Many companies, including BrightStar Care of Torrance, are fully transparent and volunteer an honest assessment of staffing capabilities. But unfortunately, less scrupulous ones might engage in “bait-and-switch” tactics, over-promising and under-delivering. When that happens, patients and families pay the price in the form of poor quality of care and unreliability.
Now, more than ever, families should prioritize home care agencies with positive online reviews and local presence. And a company without a website that is based 30 miles away and referred by a “friend of a friend,” might be especially risky in today’s climate. Families are wise to stick to those with strong community presence and agencies referred by hospitals, nursing facilities, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
“Private Hires” (Independent Contractors)
Some families choose to hire an “independent” caregiver directly to avoid higher agency bill rates. While this has always been a more affordable but risky alternative, it’s an even bigger gamble in 2021. Last year, California passed a law that further limits the use of “independent contractors,” as often discussed in the context of Uber and ride-sharing applications. Families are wise to conduct their own research on the legalities (or illegalities) of working with independent contractors. But the industry consensus is that caregivers can no longer serve in such a function under current law.
Beyond the legal considerations, COVID-19 also complicates the logistics of ensuring safety when working with non-agency caregivers. As previously addressed, responsible home care companies, such as BrightStar Care of Torrance, have virus-mitigation policies in place pursuant to CDC guidelines. They also ensure the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE). In most situations, an independent caregiver is far more likely to expose a vulnerable loved one to COVID-19.
Summary
At the end of the day, most Americans would agree 2020 was a year of profound change. But families shopping home care services need to realize that the caregiver industry was also dramatically affected by last year’s events and the continuing COVID-19 crisis. Those who perform due diligence will find the right care solution for their loved one. But research is critical, and it’s probably wise to avoid obscure agencies, and private-hire (independent) caregivers altogether.
If you’re seeking the best home care in Torrance, the South Bay, or Beach Cities area, be sure to call BrightStar Care today for a free assessment from our Director of Nursing (Registered Nurse)!