Angie's List

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Given the choice, most seniors would prefer to spend their lives in the comfort of their own home. But that can be challenging for family members stretched between caring for their own families and their parents.

In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan takes a look at in-home elder care.

Yes, it's a big decision to hire help for your parents and there are some important things to look out for.

"If you're going to be hiring someone who does in-home elder care you want to meet with them in person. You really want to do your homework, this is a very personal service, someone who you are going to be interacting with often. Also, have them meet the person they are going to be caring for because you want to have a good match there as well with someone they are comfortable with," said Angie's List Founder, Angie Hicks.

She also says it's important to check the background of any caregiver carefully.

"When evaluating the caregiver's qualifications check licensing, check their references, and obviously because this is a service you are going to have someone coming into your house for taking care of an elderly family member - you're gut instinct is going to go a long way here - someone you are really comfortable with," said Hicks.

Angie's List has 12 Tips for finding the right elder care provider:

· Plan before a crisis hits. Do not wait for an emergency to happen before seeking care for an elderly relative. You can make more informed decisions by discussing care options ahead of time.

· Assess your elder's needs. Determine what type of care is most important. Make a list of specific chores and duties needed for care. Be sure to include personal and medical care as well as household tasks that will need to be done. And don't forget to alert the caregiver to personality quirks or behavioral issues.

· Research your options. Talk to agencies as well as independent providers about the care you are seeking then check their ratings on Angie's List.

· Conduct an in-depth interview. Meet with each candidate in person. If possible, include the potential care recipient in the screening process. Be specific about all the tasks involved. Do not hire someone you are not 100 percent comfortable with.

· Check references: Ask the provider to supply you with a list of references who can talk about their quality of work. Contact current and former patients, their family members, and doctors.

· Ask about training. How does the provider select and train its employees?

· Are they licensed? Many states require home care providers to earn a license to operate. Your state health department can provide you information on its licensed providers.

· Consider a background check. While agencies typically screen its employees, it's up to you when hiring an independent provider.

Is there a Plan B? What procedures does the provider have in place to handle emergencies?

· Are caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

· What is the financial process? Be sure the provider provides written statements explaining the costs and payment options.

· Be careful with financial and confidential information. Do not give access to any accounts. Avoid having the worker handle any important communications with doctors, lawyers and accountants.

· Share the recipient's interests. Provide some ideas on how the care provider and recipient can spend their time together.

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