About Referred Caregivers

How do you screen caregivers?
All caregivers registered with TenderCare Services undergo the following screening process:

Companion Caregivers:

• Level II Federal criminal background check through the FBI
• Proof of prior in-home care experience, in the form of two verified work references
• Fitness to work and physical signed by a physician – ensures that the caregiver is fit to work and free from communicable disease
• Proof of ‘HIV/AIDS’ training
• Proof of current professional liability insurance
• One on one screening appointment
• In depth orientation

HHA, CNA, LPN and RN Caregivers (in addition to the above):

• Proof of current CPR training
• Proof of ‘Assistance with the Self Administration of Medications’ training.
• All CNA, LPN, RN licenses and HHA training certificates verified

*Many caregivers have also gained additional training and have certification in areas such as Alzheimer’s care, medication assistance, domestic abuse and other disciplines relating to in-home care.  If clients have the need for a caregiver with specific experience or training, TenderCare Services will make every effort to refer caregivers accordingly.

What caregivers are available and how do they differ?
TenderCare Services refer work to the following caregiver classes:

Companions(aka Homemakers) – Companions can assist clients with all ‘hands off’ care needs, such as light housekeeping (vacuuming, dusting, mopping etc), laundry, meal preparation, transportation etc. Companions are not permitted, by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, to offer any hands on care; this can only be done by a HHA, CNA, LPN or RN.

Home Health Aide (HHA) – HHA’s carry certificates with over 40 hours of training. In addition to general housekeeping duties, HHA’s are able to perform all aspects of hands on ‘personal care’. For example assistance with bathing, toileting, hair and skin care.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – CNA’s train to pass a state exam, which includes both knowledge and practical skill assessments. CNA’s must renew their license every 2 years and take ongoing refresher courses in order to maintain a clear and active license. CAN’s are able to assist with the same companion and personal care tasks a HHA can assist with, including bathing, toileting, hair and skin care and more.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – LPN’s are certified and can oversee the tasks provided by HHA’s and CNA’s. In addition they can provide skilled nursing care including but not limited to monitoring catheters and IV’s and assistance with feeding. LPN’s must work under the scope of an attending RN’s license.

Registered Nurse (RN) – RN’s operate under their own license can oversee the tasks performed by HHA’s, CNA’s and LPN’s. RN’s can provide assessments, make a nursing diagnosis, plan and implement care as well being able to evaluate the effectiveness of the care being provided. RN’s can also provide medication management and wound care services on a ‘per diem’, as needed or ongoing basis.