Orlando Home CareMany times the abuser is a family member who is providing unpaid care to the vulnerable person.
A caregiver is more at risk of being an abuser if he or she:
Has personal problems such as alcohol or medication abuse, mental or emotional illness, physical health problems, or low self-esteem. Was abused as a child, grew up in a household where violence was used to resolve disputes, or has a history of conflict with the older person. Is experiencing stresses such as marital conflict, unemployment, economic problems, lack of activities outside the home, or caring for both parents and children. Lacks experience and skills as a caregiver, does not understand the older person’s disease, has little support from other family members, or has unrealistic expectations for being a caregiver. For more information from the Florida Area on Aging click here http://www.agingcarefl.org/elder-abuse-how-to-report-it-prevent-it/
Additional risks include hiring from an Internet ad or caregiver web site. Even those that provide Internet background checks do not even come close to meeting State of Florida guidelines for background checks. DO you believe everything you see on the Internet?
Less risky is hiring from a Nurse Registry that must complete a Florida background check, but only employs Independent Contractors for whom you become the employer. You may be responsible for government payroll forms, taxes, social security, unemployment and injuries incurring on your property. The biggest issue with hiring contractors is you are their boss and must train, manage and look for replacements when they are not available to care for you or your loved one. Do you want to operate the equivalent of a small business, and manage people? A licensed home health agency employees your caregivers and Partners in Healthcare even provides a RN care manger at no additional charge.
