+- Punaweb Forum (http://punaweb.org/forum)
+-- Forum: Punaweb Forums (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Punatalk (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: Elder care questions (/showthread.php?tid=17219)
Elder care questions - b_a - 05-18-2016
Hi - can anybody help me out with a recommendation or two? Looking for:
1. A medical alert system that works well in Mountain View, preferably with an office on BI (keep it local!)
2. Anybody used MetroCare for in-home elder help?
We're all mainland, so we're trying to get some help in place for MIL who's starting to have medical issues. At least until myself and my DW are able to pack up our lives and move there.
...we are everywhere...
RE: Elder care questions - sistersue - 05-18-2016
My VERY experienced advice to you is this: hire licensed caregivers who work on their own, if possible. The agencies charge $20 an hour or more and some of the workers are not good or don't show up! If you have insurance that will pay for the help then I guess cost doesn't matter, but caregivers who work for themselves, in my experience, are so much better than most of the agency workers. The agency workers are not paid much so most of the good ones work independently. Of course, you need to get to know and screen the ones you choose, and make sure the insurance will pay for them.
There are many wonderful caregivers around here, but they tend to leave the agencies because of low pay and no mileage compensation, so there is a lot of turnover. You'll find yourself constantly having to train new workers.
Good luck to you! Aloha.
RE: Elder care questions - Kenney - 05-19-2016
SS is correct in that many of the most experienced caregivers work independently, choosing to find their own clients and charge their own rates. Many new grads go into agency work to start, so they have lots of energy and enthusiasm, but not much experience working without supervision.
When I was working for agencies, they charged 50$/hr and paid me 20$/hr. By taking out a GE License ( and naturally keeping my professional license current) I can charge clients 20-25$/hr, and still make ends meet.
The BEST caregivers are found by personal recommendations from former clients. Unfortunately, you really need to be here to make those connections.
I highly recommend talking to neighbor's and friends, and hopefully you will find someone you can trust with Mom's care.
I wish I could recommend someone wonderful to you but my "go to" girl, beloved Margaret passed away. Her passing was a great loss to all of Puna.
I hope you find someone who meets your needs. Thanks to UH and HCC we have new RN's and LPN's every year, although a CNA might be what you need.
There is always Hawaii Island Adult Care for daytime care, recreation and Socialization.
Wishing you the best of luck!
RE: Elder care questions - b_a - 05-19-2016
At this point, all we really need is a non-nursing caregiver. MetroCare quoted $23/hr to us.
...we are everywhere...
RE: Elder care questions - Kenney - 05-20-2016
Well done, especially from a distance! Sounds like you've found your solution, a Home Health Aid. Once you are here, you might find a friend or neighbor who will do the job for half the price, which is what Metrocare will be paying your worker.
Both my parents did fine with a Home Health Aid when I couldn't be with them.
Blessings to you and your Ohana!
RE: Elder care questions - b_a - 05-20-2016
Does anyone worry about running afoul of the tax man implications of paying a HHA under the table? I guess the only issue would be if the person got POed and decided to report you.
...we are everywhere...
RE: Elder care questions - shockwave rider - 05-20-2016
quote:
Originally posted by b_a
Does anyone worry about running afoul of the tax man implications of paying a HHA under the table? I guess the only issue would be if the person got POed and decided to report you.
...we are everywhere...
They would also be reporting themselves for unreported income, so probably not a big issue.
RE: Elder care questions - b_a - 05-20-2016
So... anyone know about medic alert devices? I found APN Security in Hilo and Direct Link in Keeau - any other eastside sources?
...we are everywhere...