A new report by investigators of the state senate found that California’s lack of regulation in the home care industry has led to the abuse of seniors and disabled persons, sometimes by the people paid to care for them.
Stories like that of Rose Michael are becoming increasingly common and legislators have finally taken notice. A bill making its way through the assembly would require licensing of home care providers and make background checks mandatory. However, some home care providers oppose this legislation as well as a similar bill previously introduced by Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, which stalled in the after reaching the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
It’s tough to say why a home care agency would oppose a legislation that is meant to protect the most vulnerable populations of our society, but answers may come to light on August 17 – when Senator Curren Price’s bill is set to be heard, also by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
However, until more regulation is put into place and licensure required by the state, California residents in need of home care can still protect themselves in one of two ways.
1. When hiring your own in-home caregiver, request a copy of their Live Scan – Criminal “Record Review,” form found here.
The Live Scan service will require the person to be fingerprinted at an approved site – find Live Scan Sites here – to receive information related to their criminal history record.
2. When contracting a home care provider, request a copy of relevant and up-to-date certification.
Because licensing is not required in the state of California, agencies like the California Association for Health Services at Home (CASAH) have developed certification programs that require certified providers to: abide by a strict code of ethics, mandate comprehensive background checks, and ensure that caregivers are employees that adhere to a dishonesty bond.
One such, CASAH certified home care provider is Silverado At Home. We offer comprehensive in-home assessments, ongoing evaluations by a professional Life Care Management, medication oversight, and coordination of medical/financial/legal services. One-on-one staffing is also available for those transitioning into a new home environment.
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