WeBookCare 102 – WeBookCare

WeBookCare 102

Learning need - To build trust with Health Care Workers.

Goal - Know that building trust with Health Care Workers begins with a Meet & Greet, when to contact a Health Care Worker, what WeBookCare’s Care Seeker Standards are, and how to be a responsible Care Seeker.

Objectives:

a. The Care Seeker will demonstrate how to book a Meet & Greet.

b. The Care Seeker will describe when to contact a Health Care Worker using WeBookCare messaging.

c. The Care Seeker will assess how they compare to WeBookCare’s Care Seeker Standards.

d. The Care Seeker will defend essential components of responsible Care Seeking.

Assessment of teaching situation - Review messages to Health Care Workers

Selection of presentation method(s)/materials lecture/discussion: WeBookCare app and WeBookCare 102 course handout.

Implementation:

a. Explain why Meet & Greets are important.

b. Summarise best practices for Meet & Greets.

c. Demonstrate how to book a Meet & Greet using WeBookCare messages.

d. Describe when to contact a Health Care Worker.

e. Perform comparisons against WeBookCare’s Care Seeker Standards.

f. Choose a past or current Health Care Worker and ask the Care Seeker to defend if they are a responsible Care Seeker.

How do I build trust with Health Care Workers?

You have messaged a Health Care Worker and asked to meet. Meet & Greets are of paramount importance. It’s you that can help Health Care Workers feel valued and appreciated, especially early on when relationships haven’t been fully established. By taking the time out for the Health Care Worker to learn as much as they can about the Care Recipient, shows kindness and that you care. Health Care Workers who learn more about their Care Recipients will be more aware of the expectations that lie ahead. The Meet & Greet is critical. Prepare for it well.

What are the best practices for Meet & Greets?

Number One – Safety and Trust

WeBookCare is designed with your safety in mind. Always communicate with the Health Care Worker through WeBookCare's secure, private messaging platform, which protects you from phishing and identity theft. You should never be asked to book visits outside of WeBookCare or send money directly to the Health Care Worker outside of WeBookCare‘s booking and messaging channels. Messaging on WeBookCare starts when you make an inquiry or job offer. Afterward, all messages related to that inquiry or job offer will appear in your inbox. Most Health Care Workers want to have the Meet & Greet at the care location after they accept a job offer. If a message makes you feel uncomfortable, or someone tries to get you to pay you outside WeBookCare, contact WeBookCare Customer Services to let us know.

Number Two – Read the Health Care Workers' Profile

One way to make a better first impression is to ensure that a WeBookCare Health Care Worker and a Care Recipient are a good match before they meet. Health Care Worker and Care Recipient matchmaking is a central part of WeBookCare’s platform that puts control into the hands of Care Seekers. Health Care Worker profiles showcase their skills and experience and what makes them a WeBookCare Health Care Worker. Read about what they have to offer and what makes them unique. Find and care services based on Health Care Worker availability, rates, location, credentials, reviews and more! To help you identify your favorite Health Care Worker and increase the odds of a successful match, ask these 10 essential questions in WeBookCare’s secure, private messaging platform so it’s not a stranger meeting a stranger, but a Care Seeker who has some knowledge of the Health Care Worker they are offering a job to. The goal is to find local trusted care, just the way you like it. Whatever your care needs may be.

Number Three – Invite the Health Care Team

You have communicated through WeBookCare with your favorite Health Care Worker and their first visit is booked. In situations where your WeBookCare Health Care Worker is joining other’s on the family’s caregiving team, the primary caregiver -- who has a relationship, history, and familiarity with all aspects of caring for your loved one – should attend the Meet & Greet. Family or friends who help take care of the Care Recipient are often involved in the discussion and are part of the planning process. Sharing of information and friendly introductions at a Meet & Greet ensure a smoother transition and reinforce consistency and quality in the home care services provided, the services you can trust so you can stop putting your life on hold and still be the hero.

Number Four -Be friendly

During the Meet & Greet, break the ice by introducing the Care Recipient, yourself, and the Caregiving team. Your goal is to be inviting and to build trust. Introductions, making eye contact and speaking to everybody in the room opens it up and ensures that everyone is addressed. That first 60 seconds is when the Health Care Worker can give that undivided attention to the Care Recipient and the rest of the team as well. The idea is to create a friendly environment that gives everyone the chance to speak their mind, list concerns or ask questions. Making a good first impression always results in better Care Seeker and Health Care Worker relationships.

Number Five – Provide a home tour

Start with a walk-through of the home. Answer questions during the tour as this helps the Health Care Worker to know the home’s layout, location of supplies and to assess the safety and appropriateness of the care location. The home environment needs to be as safe and as conducive to wellness and ease of living as possible. Fortunately, there are many adaptive products, safety and security devices that can be used to help make this arrangement a successful one. Disclose safety equipment such as the location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and medications as well as any property info. This is a good time to review the care services and to assess if elder care products could be used to make a senior’s life safer and more comfortable. Share any rules you want to implement, such as rooms that are off limits?

Number Six – Share Care Recipient preferences

Share what the Care Recipient likes so the Health Care Worker can provide them with their creature comforts (i.e., favorite chair or food, favorite book, or television show, etc.). Doing so will help with a variety of benefits that makes life more manageable for older adults, where compatibility itself is perhaps the most important. This is especially helpful if an elder client isn’t verbal or able to communicate well. Acting on this information will build trust, avoid potential problems, and help Health Care Workers anticipate their needs or points of agitation.

Number Seven – Note expectations

When the time finally comes to welcome a WeBookCare Health Care Worker at the care location, it is important to start off on the right foot. Be upfront and honest about your expectations and set some house rules. Ask questions to clarify the division of labor and to ensure that you are both on the same page. Show the Health Care Worker if there is an advanced directive or do not resuscitate order. Once you and your Health Care Worker have discussed the points above, it would be wise to record all details in a journal, separate from reporting on WeBookCare’s secure messaging platform, to note the daily routine and small details about Care Recipient preferences or information that helps the Health Care Worker better understand a client’s needs. Having it in writing will clarify the role and duties of the Health Care Worker, as well as your expectations. If a problem arises in the future, you can simply refer to the journal to resolve the issue.

Number Eight – Observe Health Care Worker and Care Recipient interactions

During the Meet & Greet, you will also be able to see firsthand how your loved one interacts with the Health Care Worker. This will allow you to see if the Health Care Worker can both meet your loved one’s health requirements and get along with them personally. If your loved one doesn’t like a Health Care Worker, they won’t feel comfortable being taken care of by them. Being able to meet in person and see if your loved one kicks it off with the Health Care Worker will give you both peace of mind when care services officially start.

Number Nine - Say goodbye

When it’s time to leave, make sure you say goodbye to the Health Care Worker and thank them for coming. Keep communicating. Even beyond the first visit, keep answering questions to make the Health Care Worker feel secure and to open the lines of communication. Stay in touch and message on WeBookCare as directed. A top Health Care Worker goal is to make life easier for the Care Recipient, yourself, and others who are involved. Send a job offer for a regular care service. This helps your schedule run more smoothly. In addition, sticking to a routine might free up some mental energy to help you find more ways to take breaks and take care of yourself. If there are any problems, be sure to communicate early and often with the appropriate parties.

To end with another cliché, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. These pointers will help you to ensure care services go as expected. Good luck!

How do I schedule a meet and greet?

Meet & Greets are easy to schedule and important for Health Care Workers, Care Seekers, and the Care Recipient. They’re your chance to get to know the Health Care Worker better and for them to meet the Care Recipient and to see the care location. Here's how to create a Meet & Greet with your favorite Health Care Worker:

Select your favorite Health Care Worker you’d like to schedule a Meet & Greet with.
Send an inquiry for a Meet & Greet from the Health Care Worker’s Profile by selecting Send Message.
Add the date and time of your proposed Meet & Greet. Include a message as well for the Health Care Worker.
Select Send.
Once the details of the Meet & Greet have been agreed upon, send the Health Care Worker a job offert for the Meet & Greet directly from the Health Care Worker’s Profile by selecting Send Job Offer.
The Health Care Worker has 24 hours to approve the Meet & Greet request. You’re all set!

Once your Health Care Worker accepts your request, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes and prepare for the meeting. Look at our best practices for a Meet & Greet.

What is a long-term booking?

A long-term booking occurs on the same day and time of the week for as long as the Health Care Worker agrees. You can cancel long-term bookings as long as you provide more than 24 hours’ notice. This feature is available for daytime hours, overnights, and live-in visits.

When should I contact a Health Care Worker?

The secret to success as a Care Seeker is nailing communication with Health Care Workers. Messaging Health Care Workers is one of the most time-consuming parts of being a Care Seeker. If your communication game is off, your home care services won’t go as expected. But I have a step-by-step process for you to follow that will ensure you get the most out of your home care services. Therefore, you must get this right, which is where these pointers come in handy!

Your job is accepted! Remind, Check-In, Read

Remind

The reminder message is optional, but I strongly recommend Care Seekers employ it. It’s a chance to connect with the Health Care Worker to re-emphasise that they are coming. Also, you can remind them of details such as entrance instructions and the schedule the day prior to their visit. Often Health Care Workers get antsy about new home care services so this will put their mind to rest.

Check-In

The check in message is important to do. Sure, your Health Care Worker knows the schedule and what to do, but it’s my experience that Health Care Workers like to know you are available for any questions, so they don’t worry.

Read

Reporting plays an important role in building trust with your Health Care Worker and to demonstrate your commitment to the wellbeing of the Care Recipient. Other reasons why it's beneficial to read Health Care Worker reports:

Health Care Workers who report to the Care Seeker through WeBookCare are more likely to receive a 5-star ratings.
To provide the best and most personalized care.
For direct communication between the Health Care Worker and the Care Seeker.
For continuity of care.
To show accountability for the booking, supporting the Health Care Worker’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and ethical care.
For quality improvement.
Acting as proof that the home care visit was provided.

How do I read reports?

The easiest way to read reports is through WeBookCare’s mobile app or the desktop application. WeBookCare's secure, private messaging platform makes it easy to share information while the Health Care Worker is providing care services at the care location. Health Care Workers are asked to keep reports clear, concise, and accurate.

Sign in to WeBookCare, then navigate to your
Locate the Health Care Worker you want to message.
Next, select the message icon and read about how the visit went.
Include a message to your Health Care Worker. then send.

What should Health Care Workers write about?

Health Care Workers start by providing details on how the visit went. They communicate what tasks they did and the client’s mood. Finally, they might write about any concerns or to seek further instruction. Care Seekers rely on the Health Care Worker to know how their loved one is doing. Messages are kept factual and non-opinionated, getting straight to the point. But it can also be a good idea for Health Care Worker to include suggestions in messages. Here are some fundamental rules of what Health Care Workers are expected to include:

Observations: Observations are the facts and events that are noticed as they go about their daily work.
Daily Measurements: Record Care Recipient’s vital signs, weight, intake and output, and blood sugar levels.
Safety Issues: This includes measures taken to ensure a Care Recipient’s safety and any concerns about possible safety hazards in the home environment.
Care Recipient Statements & Complaints: Documented—in their exact words—any pertinent statements the Care Recipient makes about how they are feeling. This may include statements about pain, appetite, or emotions. Health Care Workers are sure to report complaints. (Again, using the client’s exact words.) Complaints help improve client care and/or find new ways to meet a client’s needs.
Unusual Events: Anything out of the ordinary that happens while with a Care Recipient. For example, if the heat in the client’s room doesn't work.
Refusal of Care: If a client refuses care and the reason for refusing the care.
If there is a change in the client’s condition, or if there are concerns about something, you will be called immediately, and this documented in the messages for that visit.
Provide positive feedback on daily accomplishments such as improvements with activities of daily living (ADL’s).
Tasks completed: Read what was done during the home care visit.

What are WeBookCare’s Care Seeker standards?

To help keep our community safe and trusted, we’ve published our standards and expectations for all Health Care Workers and Care Seekers. We developed these standards based on our extensive experience in home care and from interactions with users of the WeBookCare community. These standards are intended to hold up our policies into a single framework that will help users of the WeBookCare community better understand what to expect from us and what we expect of them.

How will the standards be enforced?

Each enforcement decision is the result of careful and detailed work by a team of Care Advisors devoted to ensuring we make the right call. Our responses to violations of these policies have been and will continue to be based on the seriousness of the issue. We will strive to take the circumstances of each situation into account when reaching our enforcement decision, but we have limited discretion in our response to serious violations of the policies.

What can I do if I disagree with a decision?

Our enforcement teams are made up of dedicated professionals, but they’re still human. So, in rare cases, enforcement decisions may be incorrect. If you disagree with a decision we’ve made, you can contact us and we’ll re-review the decision carefully. The definitions of the standards and expectations themselves aren’t subject to review.

Will the standards change over time?

We’re always learning and growing, and the standards and expectations will evolve over time. Make sure to review the standards if you have any questions about a particular situation.

Care Seeker Standards

In addition to behaving in accordance with responsible Care Seeking, which applies to all Care Seekers, WeBookCare Care Seekers who use WeBookCare are asked to meet the following Care Seeker standards:

Respectful
- Express gratitude
- Uphold Health Care Worker work environment preferences
- Respect Health Care Worker availability
Realistic
Safe
Professional

Regardless of a Health Care Worker's work environment preference, we expect all Care Seekers to abide by the following Care Seeker standards at all WeBookCare jobs.

Respectful

Express Gratitude

WeBookCare Health Care Workers aim to make people feel secure or nurtured and they focus on generosity and compassion. They give entirely of themselves to make sure others are taken care of. Health Care Workers display a devotion that is nothing short of heroic. We encourage Care Seekers and Care Recipients of home care to take a moment and thank their Health Care Worker for the services they provide. While it’s true that you pay them for their services, they must handle challenges in the face of adversity and their noble character is the main character in your life and of those in their care. Yes, Health Care Workers are heroes, too.

Uphold your Health Care Worker’s work environment preferences

One of the most current and significant challenges is balancing the Health Care Worker’s need for a comfortable workplace even though most homes were never intended or designed to be workplaces. The best approach to respecting your Health Care Worker is to uphold their work environment preferences listed in their WeBookCare profile.

Uphold Health Care Worker availability

Health Care Workers use their availability settings to control how long Care Seekers book home care services, when they can book and to add time between bookings so they can commit to you reliably. Message your Health Care Worker and get creative if their availability isn’t compatible with the Care Recipient’s daily home care schedule. For example, could there be a later start or fewer hours? Maybe the Health Care Worker could attend for fewer, but longer visits? In fact, your Health Care Worker may have another job and must be available for that as well? If the position needs full-time coverage, you could look at arranging for another WeBookCare Health Care Worker to share responsibilities. There will be times, however, when even the best plans fail, and your favorite Health Care Worker needs to cancel. So, consider sending a job offer to another Health Care Worker to cover such emergencies.

WeBookCare Tip: Care Seekers should respect their Health Care Worker’s start time window. Most Health Care Workers need a 15-minute scheduling window to account for unanticipated delays. Any start times before or after the designated window should be approved by the Health Care Worker. Care Seekers should expect the Health Care Worker to leave by the designated end time as indicated on the schedule and should not expect the Health Care Worker to stay past the designated end time or later to help without authorization from the Health Care Worker.

Realistic

Your Health Care Worker will be most productive if you both agree on and meet standards of work and behavior: it's up to you to set and share those standards consistently, and to treat your Health Care Worker fairly. So, be clear with your Health Care Worker as to what you expect. It can be tricky to balance support, flexibility, and standards, so keep up your communication with the Health Care Worker open. Once your Health Care Worker has spent some time with the Care Recipient, they can put all your expectations into action, doing everything that they can to help, and you'll know that any request for extra flexibility is likely justified.

Safety

Providing home care can present additional health and safety challenges. The three most common causes of work-related injuries are overexertion; slips, trips, falls, and motor vehicle incidents. Health Care Workers may also be exposed to infectious diseases and violent behaviour. It’s up to you to ensure that the home environment is a safe and healthy place where your Health Care Worker can assist the Care Recipient to remain at home. The information provided in the responsible Care Seeking section can help you prepare your home for every visit by the Health Care Worker and to make the care location safe. Your Health Care Worker needs to be encouraged to report when they feel unsafe or if an issue has taken place—and these complaints need to be taken seriously.

Professional

Each care service is unique. Care Seekers should respect the Care Recipients’ consent for care and the approved number of Care Recipients—for all visits -- and should inquire with the Health Care Worker if you are unsure about their preferences. WeBookCare expects Care Seekers to comply with WeBookCare’s Terms of Use and inquire with the Health Care Worker if they have questions before they start.

Reporting a violation

WeBookCare accepts reports directly from Care Seekers that contact us, as well as from other members of the care team. If you are a Care Seeker who is dealing with a suspected or actual violation of Health Care Worker Standards, we ask that you:

Communicate with your Health Care Worker—this is often the quickest path to resolution.

Document the issue through WeBookCare message thread correspondence, include an emailed complaint from a friend, neighbor, photos, etc.

Report any issues directly by contacting us.

Familiarize yourself with the requirements of our Refund Policy.

Leave an honest review with feedback so that the Health Care Worker can improve for future Care Seekers.

Holding Caregivers to these standards

WeBookCare encourages Care Seekers to promptly report violations of these standards. A reported violation of any of these standards is considered alongside past violations, which informs the enforcement decisions made by WeBookCare. Reports are reviewed on both the severity and frequency of violations. If it’s determined that a Caregiver has violated these standards, we’ll provide information about the policy and warnings. Health Care Workers who frequently or severely violate these standards may be suspended or removed.

WeBookCare Tips for Care Seekers

We encourage Care Seekers to clearly outline expectations for Health Care Worker in their job posting and through WeBookCare message threads. It’s particularly important to specify work environment preferences around care services, pets, children, visitors, perfume, and smoke so we know what should be considered unauthorized under the policy.

In setting expectations, Care Seekers should be mindful of Health Care Workers and think of rules that will maximise the health and safety for them and the Care Recipient. Limiting the number of Care Recipients, establishing preferences, and adhering to Health Care Worker availability are all ways to help prevent care service issues. WeBookCare will only assist in enforcing Care Seeker expectations that comply with WeBookCare’s Terms of Use and company policies.

How can I be a responsible Care Seeker?

After researching all your senior care options, you have decided that private care is the best choice for you or your loved one. Home care has changed a great deal in recent years. As our elderly population increases, as our mentally and physically disabled are institutionalised less and less, and as the focus of health care changes to keep individuals in their homes, the knowledge about caring for these individuals continues to expand. With the advent of modern internet technologies, we help Care Seekers to find the perfect care connection. Detailed profiles, reviews, enhanced background checks, online payment services and direct communication with the Health Care Worker even if the Care Seeker is miles away are just a few benefits we offer so families have peace of mind in choosing the best care available. Though home care comes with many advantages, it also carries some risks and unique safety challenges. Knowing the essential components of responsible Care Seeking, however, these can be kept to a minimum. Even when home care is the best option for the Care Recipient, it can be a difficult transition for the family to make.

Some of the most important preparations to be made prior to booking home care services are mental, especially when it comes to accepting your own limitations as a Family Caregiver and trusting someone else to care for your loved one.

Essential components of responsible Care Seeking

Acceptance.
care location preparation.
Legal/ethical matters.
Finances.
Caregiver choice.
Safety.
Independence.
Daily Care Routine.
Family & Relationships.

Acceptance

Chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia progress over time, robbing individuals of personality and the ability to perform simple daily tasks. Caring for a loved one with neurodegenerative disease is taxing, both physically and mentally. Making the choice to transition to paid home care is a major decision that comes with some serious considerations. While the benefits of home care are myriad, some Family Caregivers do not like the idea of having someone else coming into their – or their loved one's – home, or they have trouble sharing the intimate details of their loved one's condition.

Even when home care is the best option, it can be a difficult transition for the family to make. Some of the most important preparations to be made prior to arranging home care is acceptance, especially when it comes to accepting your own limitations as a Caregiver and trusting someone else to care for your loved one. In preparing to welcome a WeBookCare Caregiver, ask yourself:

Are you confident that home care is the best option for your loved one?
Are you prepared to hand over some of the Caregiving responsibility to a professional?
Are you ready to place your trust in somebody else to give your loved one proper care?
Are you prepared to share intimate details of your loved one's life?
Are you able to step back, when necessary, to allow the Caregiver to do the job?

If you answer these questions honestly, you may discover some unanticipated worry, insecurity, or anxiety. Remember that your loved one's care is what is important. It is necessary to adjust your attitude and set aside your own worries for your loved one's benefit.

Get the care location prepared

As you come to terms with the fact that your loved one's home care needs have surpassed your ability to bear sole responsibility as a Family Caregiver, the next step is to physically prepare for the arrival of a WeBookCare Health Care Worker. Most people are aware of the basics such as getting adaptive products and safety equipment such as grab bars, a raised toilet seat, commode and more. Next, gather all the necessary supplies and information required for your loved one's care. This includes medical supplies and medications, a list of those medications and their dosages, a list of emergency contacts, and a list of your loved one's medical professionals. Keep a journal with this information in a visible, easy-to-reach area, such as by the refrigerator or next to the phone. Include the emergency response plan and establish guidelines to give the Health Care Worker direction as to which types of events are reportable. After ensuring that your loved one's medical information and supplies are well organised and easily accessible, there are a few other things to do around the house. Secure any items of value as increased foot traffic in the home will bring the risk of theft. If you are hiring overnight or live-in help, consider where the live-in Health Care Worker will sleep and store his or her belongings. Decide what areas of the house are off-limits, if any, and establish ground rules about the use of shared spaces, internet, television, food, and the like. Getting your home ready at the outset will make things easier for everyone.

WeBookCare Tips for Ensuring the home care location is safe for the Health Care Worker:

Make sure the home address is visible from the street.
Keep the driveway, sidewalks, entrances, stairs, and ramps well-lit and free of ice, snow, moss, or clutter.
Provide parking as close to the home care location as possible.
Make sure stairs have handrails.
Install a lock box.
Ensure that floors are not slippery. Remove area rugs that may pose a slipping or tripping hazard.
Keep hallways, stairs, and other walking areas clear of clutter. This includes storing items away and making sure that any cords and cables are put away or taped down.
Make sure your Health Care Worker can walk around three sides of the bed.
No smoking for at least one hour before, and during, the visit.
No alcohol or use street drugs before or during the visit. The use of such substances is prohibited.
Keep pets away from where care is being provided (preferably locked in a separate room).
Make sure that windows and doors are easily accessible and can be easily opened, closed, and locked.
Be sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tested annually to make sure they are working properly.
Make sure that fire extinguishers are accessible and check the gauge annually to verify the fire extinguisher is still full.
In the bathroom, consider installing grab bars, a shower wand, secured shower chairs, or non-slip bathmats to prevent slips.
Install a safety frame, grab bar, or raised seat for the toilet.
Get a sharps container if needed.
Provide personal protection equipment.
Make sure that phones in the home are easily accessible and have updated speed dial numbers.
Make sure that all medications are properly labeled.
Return unused medications to the pharmacy.
Make sure the emergency routes and escape plans have been mapped and discussed.
Make sure there is an emergency response plan.

Legal/ethical matters

Making future healthcare decisions on behalf of your loved one starts with advance care planning. Talk to your loved one about their beliefs, values and wishes regarding their future health care treatment. It is about having a conversation with the Care Recipient so you know the health care treatment they would agree to, or refuse, if they were incapable of expressing their own decisions. Write down their wishes and instructions for future health care decisions onto an Advanced Care Plan; including if they wish to remain at home. An Advance Care Plan is “a written summary of a capable adult’s wishes or instructions to guide a substitute decision maker if that person is asked by a physician or other health care provider to make a health care treatment decision on behalf of the adult” (Advance Care Planning, Province of British Columbia). My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment is the B.C. government's advance care planning guide on advance care planning and to make your own advance care plan. Your Advance Care Plan can also include:

A Representation Agreement where you write the Care Recipient’s instructions and name someone to make their health and personal care decisions if they become incapable.
An Advance Directive with the Care Recipient’s instructions for health care that are given to their health care provider, which they must follow directly when it speaks to the care they need at the time if they become incapable.
An Enduring Power of Attorney where the Care Recipient appoints someone to make decisions about their financial affairs, business, and property.

Finances

Of the various senior care options available, the one that’s becoming a preferred choice for many families is home care. However, maintaining the house, paying bills, doing housework, gardening, chores, shoveling snow - just about everything becomes more difficult to do and it’s expensive. With WeBookCare, just about every home care service can be booked, allowing the Care Recipient and the Care Seeker to spend quality time together and get the most out of retirement. Care Recipients and their families can save considerably by choosing WeBookCare where care services can cost 50 percent less than traditional agencies, while Health Care Workers earn up to 25 percent higher wages. With no monthly subscriptions to use the app., Care Seekers pay a WeBookCare service fee. Still, medical care is expensive. When it comes to paying for care, there are several options:

Self-pay
Public third-party pay
Private third-party pay

Self-Pay

The first of these options, self-pay, is home care paid out-of-pocket. You may be able to negotiate the cost of services with the WeBookCare Health Care Worker depending on your situation. Reverse mortgages are one possible source for seniors, and their families to consider for generating funds to remain at home. This increasingly popular loan option turns a borrower’s home equity into a lump sum of money or consistent monthly payments.

Public third-party pay

Veteran Affairs Canada provides funding to some Canadian Veterans through the Veterans Independence Program for home care services such as grounds maintenance, housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and professional health and support services.

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) clients receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. Clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support, from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent.

Private third-party pay

If you don't qualify for funding through the Veterans Independence Program or CSIL funding, you might be able to get home care covered by a private insurance plan. Many insurers offer a cost-sharing provision for professional home care for seniors. Typically, insurers for motor vehicle accidents, long-term care, retirement benefit plans, and extended healthcare coverage will pay for home care if you are a current recipient and meet certain qualifications.

Health Care Worker Choice

With WeBookCare, chances are, you will. To find your favorite WeBookCare Health Care Worker, you must know how to search for one that is the right fit for your situation and to book a Meet & Greet. When starting your search, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Understand Your Care Needs. There are many care services WeBookCare Health Care Workers can provide. Review the list of care services available on WeBookCare, you’ll be able to start your search here. Read more about care services.
Evaluate your finances. Assess how many hours a week of home care you and anyone else in the family can realistically afford and then determine your home care schedule. Check to see if the Care Recipient is eligible for third-party funding.
Recruit non-paid help. Do you have siblings, cousins, other relatives, anyone who can help? Determine what they can contribute (time, money, food, etc.), and use that as part of your planning. See if there is a local not for profit organization to help with simple, non-medical, home care services such as friendly visiting, transportation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, light yard work, minor home repair and library services.
Prepare a Employment Contract. Write an accurate description of the job. Be sure to include if you’re looking for someone with certain skills and what type of qualifications (Registered Healthcare Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse). Will they be required to have a car and valid driver’s license? Is there an expectation they need to use special equipment or will they need to lift the Care Recipient, you should include those duties as well. The badges displayed on WeBookCare search results and Health Care Worker profile pages are visual symbols of a Health Care Worker’s qualifications.
Check Health Care Worker Reviews and Star Ratings. Read about the Health Care Worker’s care services with past Care Seekers. Care Seekers can write about their interaction with the Health Care Worker and highlight qualities that made the job special while rating overall experience, Health Care Worker appearance, Profile accuracy, Health Care Worker communication, Health Care Worker reliability, and value.
Book a Meet & Greet. When bringing someone in for a Meet & Greet, don’t be hesitant to ask tough questions. Find out if they have done similar work before. Ask them what kind of personalities they’ve clashed with. Ask them their comfort level and their work history. Don’t be rude or overbearing. Remember these are human beings who are doing a difficult and important job but be firm and be honest about expectations. Putting everything on the table is doing them a favor as well. Read more about Meet & Greet’s here.
Ask for more Background Checks. Their is an option to pay for optional background checks to be displayed as special badges on the Health Care Worker profile. Check with the Health Care Worker if they have a BC Care-Aid registry number.
Do What Feels Right. At the end of the day, after finding your Health Care Worker who is technically qualified, experienced, and who has great ratings, you still must go with your gut feeling. Go with what you feel is right. And if it isn’t right? Start over. There is a whole network of WeBookCare Health Care Worker in the area, the kind of compassionate, nurturing, and dedicated heroes who know that they are helping someone live their best possible life. You’ll find them.

Safety

All Homes are Not Equal. Remember that there are many things in the home that may prove to be hazardous for the Caregiver and Care Recipient. Taking proper safety measures can make the difference between whether the Care Recipient gets to remain at home or if they need to be moved to a senior care facility. Read more about Safety Tips and Guidelines.

Independence

Remaining at home is at the core of many people’s view of independence. Providing Health Care Workers, a platform to market their care services for Care Seekers to access, improves access to affordable, frictionless care. Our mission is to increase rates for staying at home longer. The number one reason for moving into a nursing home is cost and access to care. Our community should make it possible for people to remain at home. As a Care Seeker, there are various ways that you can help your aging parent maintain their independence at home. Fortunately, WeBookCare has many care services aimed at helping older people to remain in their own familiar environment even if their care needs are quite complex.

Find a weekly activity and book a WeBookCare Health Care Worker with the same interests to provide companionship and help with past times.
Use security and safety equipment throughout the home care location.
Use technology. Care Seekers and Health Care Worker use WeBookCare technology for peace of mind, communication, scheduling and as a means of payment. WeBookCare Care Plans help to organize a variety of tasks in one place, to keep track of special instructions and to facilitate seamless communications with the Health Care Worker to coordinate tasks and for reporting. We also manage a trusted platform to collect and transfer payments. WeBookCare offers enhanced background verifications and GPS timekeeping so Care Seekers will know that their loved one is safe and well, even if they cannot be with them 24/7.
Involve the Care Recipient in their own care. Look for a WeBookCare Health Care Worker with a compatible Caregiving style that involves the Care Recipient in daily activities and duties, dependent on their capabilities.
Schedule regular visits from a WeBookCare Health Care Worker to provide the care services needed for as little as 15 minutes at a time and up to 24/hours a day.
Get respite care. This can be unbelievably valuable if you are feeling Caregiver burnout as the primary Caregiver for your loved one and you need to have a break every so often. Respite care can be booked as a one-off visit or on a regular basis.

Daily care schedule

Growing older can be unsettling, and for many seniors, dependence on others can be the scariest part. This is especially true if they are becoming more vulnerable or challenged in their abilities physically or cognitively. Choosing a daily care schedule provides structure in the day and does wonders in providing a sense of security and trust. A daily routine is important for all people, but it is particularly important for seniors who receive care services so important tasks such as medications, meals and daily personal care happen at generally the same time each day. Schedule a consistent daily care schedule also helps the Health Care Worker, so everyone knows what’s happening.

Family & Relationships

It is important to discuss the specifics of care with an elderly loved one and with every family member who wants a say in what is going to happen or who is affected. Discussing healthcare situations can be a daunting task. Seniors’ intent on maximizing their independence or who are set-in-their-ways may mean that they are putting their own safety and well-being at risk. Family caregiving doesn’t always work out because of the strain it puts on both the Care Recipient and the family caregiver(s) as well, often leading to Caregiver burnout or Caregiver guilt. On the contrary, many feel guilty about putting their parents in a nursing home or having a hired Health Care Worker help. It’s important to really sit down and decide how a private Health Care Worker will affect both you and your loved one before deciding, which is the best option. Throughout your discussion, some of these arguments may arise, so it’s important to be able to identify the issues and how to work through it before you hire a Health Care Worker.

What safety tips should I follow when interacting with a Health Care Worker?

Interact smartly

Communicate with the Health Care Worker each visit
Make sure you're insured
Set up a Meet & Greet
Read WeBookCare’s Responsible Care Seeking section

What is WeBookCare doing to help make care services safer?

Safety first, always. WeBookCare was founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to feel safe. That’s why we work tirelessly to offer care services that put your mind at ease.

On WeBookCare, you’ll find:

Detailed profiles with verified Health Care Worker ratings.
Health Care Worker liability insurance coverage.
Safe, secure, and convenient online payments.
Secure online messaging.
A world-class support team that has your back around the clock.
Safety information disclosed in a care location such as home equipment modifications and property info.
Option for Health Care Workers to choose work environment preferences.
Ongoing Health Care Worker education for Health Care Worker and Care Recipients.

Safety considerations and risks at the care location

Parking and Entrance Instructions: Care Seekers should tell where Health Care Worker can park and any special instructions on how to enter the care location. Share the lockbox code or key location by the official start time. The directions and entrance instructions provided for the home care location should be accurate.
Care location type: Tell the Health Care Worker the type of care location (ex: a mobile home, condo, house, a private room in a facility) or the degree of access (ex: hard to see address, long driveway) should accurately reflect the physical care location.
Safe care location: Care Seekers should address health and safety hazards associated at the care location to ensure the health and well-being of the Health Care Worker and Care Recipient.

Assess if the care location has these risks:

□ Lights/Security at home care location poor/non-existent

□ Unsafe ramp/steps/walking surface

□ Poor Road Access

□ Rodents/Insects

□ Exit doors or evacuation path inaccessible/unmarked

□ Cluttered entrance

□ Pets; vicious, uncontrolled

□ Poor Lighting

□ Key or lockbox unavailable

□ Poor Repair

□ Stairwell access only

□ Trip/slip hazards

□ Entrance not covered from weather (snow/ice)

□ Address not visible

Assess if the care location has these interior risks:

□ Unsafe building structure/elevator

□ Overloaded electrical circuits

□ Appliances broken/need of repair

□ Electrical cords frayed

□ Unsafe/improper use of equipment

□ Unsanitary conditions

□ Unsafe bathroom

□ Low ceiling

□ Cramped space

□ Smoking environment

□ Poor temperature regulation

□ Stairs; rugs, falls, trip hazards

□ Pool/Hot tub

□ Unsanitary conditions

□ Presence of unsafe materials (weapons, drugs)

□ Fire hazards, absence of functional smoke detectors

□ Poor ventilation

□ Smell/odour

□ Scents/dust

□ Mold or other allergens

□ Oxygen concentrator

□ Oxygen tank walker

□ Liquid oxygen

□ Oxygen equipment not stored safety

□ Oxygen signs not posted

□ Oxygen equipment in poor repair

□ Fire exits inaccessible/cluttered/blocked

□ Fire extinguisher absent

Cleanliness: Care Seekers should keep the care location in a state that does not require excessive deep cleaning or organisation (ex: with clutter, rodents, soiled carpet, moldy dishes, excessive trash, etc.). In cases of cleanliness, WeBookCare may suspend Care Seeker profiles until they can provide documentation of professional inspections or deep cleanings of the home care location and ensure future Health Care Workers are not impacted by a health hazard.
Safe Care Recipient: We love the people we help, the dedication behind our mission and one of the largest sources of risk for Health Care Workers. Some of the most common risks associated with Care Recipients are falls, lack of communication regarding the assessment of their condition and issues that arise when providing specialised care. The most frequently reported incident is a fall when the Health Care Worker is present and providing care. A thorough fall risk assessment analysis is highly recommended. When your Health Care Worker begins to work with the Care Recipient, they should report their impressions and communicate everything to the Care Seeker. See WeBookCare 101 for Reporting Guidelines. This communication allows for a more open and clear understanding of the Care Recipient’s condition, which creates a more comprehensive and consistent Caregiving situation. Health Care Worker will also face challenges when administering specialised treatments that are handled infrequently, such as basic wound care, tracheostomy care or ventilator management. Due to the nature of these procedures, protocols and training related to specialised care should be addressed during the Meet & Greet and on a regular basis. Your Health Care Worker must report the following Care Recipient risks:

□ Unusual, unexplained, excessive bruising

□ Drug/Alcohol environment

□ Evidence of abuse (client)

□ Hearing impaired

□ Significant behaviour changes in the client

□ Harassment

□ Confusion, forgetfulness

□ Sharps

□ Malnutrition, dehydration

□ Wandering; (or potential for)

□ Under/over self-medicating; (or potential for)

□ Self injury; (or potential for)

□ Skin breakdown; (or potential for) (See Braden Scale)

□ Transportation Assistance request

□ Disruptive non-clients

□ Personal Care Hazards

□ Vision impaired

□ Actual/potential violent behaviour from client

□ Client not adhering with treatment regime:

□ Product/Medication exposure/handling risk

□ Uncontrolled/unpredictable client movement

□ Inadequate emergency evacuation plan

□ Special Activity/events request

Security and Monitoring Devices: Care Seekers should disclose approved and appropriately disclosed security or monitoring devices at the home care location.
Safety Devices: Smart security systems, connected sensors, and a multitude of other smart home devices can address many common challenges of aging, helping seniors stay safer and healthier in their homes for longer. By equipping the home care location with this type of smart tech today, it's possible to create a home environment for seniors to live in for as long as possible.
Ergonometric Safety: The Care Seeker should accurately represent the available home modifications and equipment available at the home care location (ex: make sure that equipment is appropriate and in good condition). The following are ergonometric risks: