Monroe County Media Release
February 6, 2013
For More Information, contact:
Chris Gaal, Office of the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, (812) 349-2670
Or visit www.co.monroe.in.us/prosecutor
“HIRING AN IN-HOME CAREGIVER”
VIDEO OFFERS TIPS TO PREVENT PROBLEMS
It is a familiar story to law enforcement investigators. A family hires a caregiver to come into the home to help with an older relative or sick family member. No one is watching. Gradually, family members become aware that medications or personal property have disappeared. What can be done about it?
A new public education video entitled “Hiring An In-Home Caregiver: What You Need To Know” aims to answer that question by providing information to help consumers avoid the most common problems associated with hiring an in-home caregiver, and learn who to call for help if problems do occur.
The video was created in collaboration between the Office of the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, Indiana Legal Services Organization, Area 10 Agency on Aging, and TRIAD (a senior advocacy organization). It also features appearances by local community leaders such as Ruth Ann Morris from IU Health Bloomington Hospital, and Barry Lessow from United Way of Monroe County.
“Thankfully there are many good caregivers and agencies that provide quality in-home services. But there are also a few who are willing to take advantage of a vulnerable person,” says Monroe County Prosecutor Chris Gaal in the video’s introduction. “Unfortunately, problems can happen when a caregiver comes into the home and has special access to medications, confidential information, or personal property.”
The video presents information in an easily accessible question and answer format, and features community members posing questions to local experts. Topics covered include:
* What kind of caregiver do I need?
* How will I pay for in-home care?
* Are there steps I can take to prevent problems?
* Who can I call for help if I do have a problem?”
“We want to encourage people to think about these issues and become familiar with the resources before they are needed,” says Jamie Andree, director of the Elder Law Clinic at Indiana Legal Services Organization. “Planning for future needs will make the process much easier when the time comes to hire a caregiver.”
The video also contains information about Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care insurance, and other benefits that can help pay for in-home care.
“Area 10 Agency on Aging offers an Aging and Disability Resource Center as a simple one-stop shop to find out about supports for older adults and people with disabilities,” says Kerry Conway, Area 10 Executive Director. “Area 10 also keeps a registry of home care agencies, individuals and volunteer groups, and has certified counselors to help with questions about Medicare, Medicaid, and Long Term Care insurance.”
To watch the “Hiring An In-Home Caregiver” video and view the companion fact sheet visit the Prosecutor’s Office website at www.co.monroe.in.us/prosecutor. The video will also be shown on Community Access Television (CATS).