One of the advantages of in-home care is the security that comes along with a well-qualified caregiver. In-home care employees must meet certain requirements before they can work for an agency.
Each person seeking to work for an in-home care agency must be declared eligible by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The AHCA conducts a level-two background check on all applicants. The level-two background check compares the applicant’s fingerprints to state and national databases in search of disqualifying offenses. This background check is designated by a law specifically designed to take a closer look at people applying for positions of responsibility or trust. If the applicant does have a disqualifying offense, the AHCA would notify the agency.
Someone who has applied to work for an in-home care agency must also have a current CPR certification. He or she must complete both an HIV course before beginning work and an Alzheimer’s course within the first nine months. If the applicant is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), his or her license must also be up to date.
With these standards in place, you can be sure that an in-home care worker you obtain through an agency has the necessary experience and qualifications to properly take care of your elderly family member.
By Sally Dahlem
Sally Dahlem is a partner at Home by Choice, which provides private-duty homecare services. She and her business partner, John Markham, have more than 35 years of experience in home healthcare, assisted living, long-term care and the medical equipment industries.