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Early signs that care is needed

How do you know if you, a loved one or a caregiver needs assistance or relief? Learning to recognize the early signs of need for a loved one or symptoms of caregiver stress will assist you in evaluating your or your loved one’s needs. While everyone is different, there are common considerations that you can look for to determine the necessary level of care.

Signs you or a loved one may need assistance

The following checklist will help you identify your care needs. With this information, your health care provider can help you customize a care solution. You can print this checklist and check the box next to any items that you have recently observed.

Do you or a loved one…

Mental
  • Feel forgetful, confused or lost
  • Mix up or forget to take medications
  • Miss doctors’ appointments
  • Overlook things that pose a safety concern
  • Struggle to pay bills or buy food
  • Receive a lot of junk mail
  • Write checks or withdraw money to make payments to unfamiliar people or companies
  • Act secretive while on the phone
Emotional and Social
  • Feel lonely or depressed
  • Feel frustrated or stressed
  • Take less interest in things previously enjoyed
  • Avoid people and social interaction
Physical and Medical
  • Sleep more often or have less energy
  • Notice a change in eating habits
  • Have difficulty walking, dressing, eating or bathing
  • Have trouble cleaning or maintaining a household
  • Fall more often or bruise more easily
  • Need medical attention or additional personal care
  • Take medication that you think needs to be adjusted
  • Need daily/weekly treatments, such as dialysis or IV therapy
  • Use medical equipment, such as an oxygen tank

Why Risk Hiring Privately?

Hiring private caregivers may often seem like a less costly alternative, but in reality, you are putting yourself at far greater risk than you may realize. When you are the employer instead of being the client, the risks escalate.

Taxes: The IRS states individual employers are liable for: Social Security taxes not paid; Unemployment compensation taxes not paid; Payroll taxes not withheld, including an additional tax assessment of up to 100% of the amount owed the IRS if the employer is considered to have ‘willfully’ failed to withhold the taxes; Interest on underpayments found to be owing; possible civil fines of up to $100,000; and possible criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years.

Worker’s Compensation: Worker’s Compensation can be the biggest risk of all. If your employee strains his/her back while lifting, for example, he/she may very well look to you for all his/her medical expenses and disability coverage.

Negligent Hiring: The shortage of qualified applicants and your own immediate needs may sometimes combine to compromise your hiring procedures. Careful background checks, including criminal misconduct, and thorough interviews are part of the routine of any reputable home care company. In addition, an outside agency can train and supervise the caregiver to ensure maximum quality standards are met.

General and Professional Liability: Private caregivers rarely carry general or professional liability insurance. If the caregiver fails to perform his/her duties adequately; if he/she trips and falls at your home, you may very well be the party with the major liability.

Bonding: Bonding protects you from theft or breakage. Without bonding, you may have limited or no protection.

Have Questions?

Your local team of Client Care Managers are on call 24/7 to answer your questions and work with you to design a customized plan of care that is right for you.

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Need help caring for a loved one? Call to speak with a Care Manager.

 Arizona (480) 468-2699 | Pennsylvania (484) 392-5144 | Wisconsin (262) 345-7622

Need a Referral?

We are widely connected within the senior and medical communities. We are confident that we can provide you with a referral to companies that we know and trust in the following categories:

  • Durable Medical Equipment
  • Mobile Doctor Services
  • Home Health Agencies
  • Hospice Agencies
  • Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facilities
  • Independent/Assisted/Memory Care Communities
  • Mobile Salon Services
  • Elder Law Attorneys
  • Non-Medical Transportation
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Agents
  • Geriatric Care Managers
  • Errand Services
  • Incontinence Product Specialists
  • Downsize & Interior Design Specialists

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Why Us?

HOME CARE EXPERTS

We are a family owned business with a natural sensibility to care for others.

24/7 AVAILABILITY

We are here for you and your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

PEACE OF MIND

Allows us to provide safety and manage the daily care activities for your loved ones.

A TRUSTED NAME

We take pride in being the preferred provider within the medical and senior communities.

OUR CAREGIVERS

Our caregivers are carefully screened, compatible to your needs, and trained.

QUALITY SERVICE

Use our services only if you and your family are 100% satisfied.

Need help caring for a loved one? Call to speak with a Care Manager.

 Arizona (480) 468-2699 | Pennsylvania (484) 392-5144 | Wisconsin (262) 345-7622

Contact Us

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Our Communities

Maricopa County, AZ

Greater Philadelphia Area, PA

Call Us

(480) 468-2699 – Arizona

(484) 392-5144 – Pennsylvania

(262) 345-7622 – Wisconsin

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