Once you have identified the types of help you need, writing a job description can be fairly straightforward. In addition to including the tasks you have identified from your assessment, be sure to include the following when and if appropriate:
Health care training (what level and what type – CNA, LVN, RN)
Driving (car needed or only valid driver’s license)
Ability to lift care recipient and/or operate special equipment
Experience with people with memory impairments and/or other disabilities
Language skills
Any other special skills needed
At this point, you have the option of hiring an individual or going through a home care or home health care agency. In some states, publicly- funded programs may allow you to hire another family member to assist you in providing care at home.
In deciding what kind of provider to choose, consider the following:
Home Care Agency
Pros:
Screening, hiring/firing, pay and taxes are handled by the agency. (Note: There are also some agencies that will handle the paperwork (taxes, social security, etc.) if you hire a home care worker on your own.
If the worker is sick, a substitute can be sent.
Can provide individuals with a variety of skills to meet varying needs (e.g., skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.).
May be partially covered by Medicaid or private insurance.
Cons:
Often several workers are used which can be confusing or distressing for the person receiving care.
Less individual choice in workers.
More expensive than privately hiring an individual.
Privately Hired Home Care Worker
Pros:
A strong one-on-one relationship can develop between the worker and the person receiving care, although this can also happen through an agency when there is a commitment to continuity.
Usually less expensive than going through an agency.
You get to choose the person you think will be the best to provide care to your loved one.
Cons:
If the home care worker is sick, no substitute is readily available.
Screening, hiring/firing, pay and taxes must be handled by you.
May not be covered by Medicaid or private insurance.
Source: caregiver.org