Do you know if the Providers you invite into your Home, or your Parent’s Home Accountable, Qualified, Reputable, and Insured?

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It seems everyone has a certification but that, by itself, provides minimal assurance that you are inviting individuals into the Home who are background checked, qualified, held accountable, and properly insured.  We see too many situations where certifications are vague in what they certify, provided as a one-time event (take the test and pay the fee), or offer minimal accountability and no proactive oversight.

To minimize risks to you and your family; you should also understand if potential Providers are held accountable to maintain; levels of qualification, appropriate insurance coverages, and if they are bringing Employees who are covered under their insurance (liability, workers compensation, etc.) and background checked into the Home, or, if they are using sub-contractors (1099) resources.

Many Senior Move Managers or Transitions Specialists claim they offer services that may include downsizing, sorting and organizing, packing, resettling, cleanout, online auctions, or estate sales.  Technically, they do OFFER these Services, but they are NOT PROIVIDING these Services.  They ACTUALLY SUB-CONTRACT most, or all, of these Services.  Sub-contracting is applicable at times but it’s important for you to understand the arrangement so that you know if the estimate you are receiving is for the actual delivery of the service, or if you will be getting invoices from multiple companies and the estimate only covers part of the service; e.g. management and/or coordination of service delivery.   Understanding this arrangement is also important because the claims of certification, insurance, and background checks can be limited to the company coordinating the delivery and may not apply to the individuals who are actually in the home interacting directly with your loved ones or your possessions.

Understanding how Providers are held accountable ongoing is also critical.  Most certifications provide a code-of-conduct and/or ethics standard however most offer limited ongoing oversight.  Many do have Review Boards, and while helpful, they are REACTIVE and kick in after a claim of mis-conduct has been made.  Akin to closing the “Barn-door after the horse has gotten away”.  That’s why it’s important to know if ongoing monitoring is in place to review their processes, qualifications, and insurance coverages.  This industry is loosely regulated so the burden for self-regulation falls largely onto individual business and the broader networks that they are connected into.

Checking the reputation for potential Providers is also very important.  Checking reviews online and asking for Client lists are excellent resources.  We also strongly recommend that you check with other Providers who might also be delivering services.  Examples can include the Senior Living Communities, Realtors, Attorneys, Financial Planners, and Senior Advisors.  Asking one of those resources with-whom you already have a relationship is a great way to gather insights from individuals who have been dealing with a vast network of providers over a long period of time.

Lastly, know the types of insurance coverage and where appropriate, coverage levels.  In the event something does happen like the theft of your items, or the injury of a Provider, you need to know the Provider has insurance coverage, or, if it will fall back onto you personally and your Home Owners or Renters Insurance.

At Caring Transitions of First Coast we are both CRTS and NASMM Certified and we are part of a National Network that consists of over 170 offices.  While each office is independently owned, we are required as part of our Franchise agreement to demonstrate consistent levels of standards like Client Service Levels, Employee background checks, ongoing education, and proof of insurance.  And, we are subject to periodic checks.  This added level of oversight and accountability helps to protect our Clients and their families.

We hope you find this article helpful.  If you are interested in learning more about our services or if you would like a free in-home consultation, please call (904) 416-0685. 

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