What factors should you consider when looking to bring in medical or personal care to the home?
Choosing the right agency or the right provider is critical. You need to choose a medical provider who has the ability to perform the necessary tasks and services— therapy, checking vitals — in a timely fashion. It is just as important to be diligent in choosing personal care providers, even if you are simply looking for someone to help with the activities of daily living— eating, bathing, transportation to and from errands and appointments, etc. Anytime you have somebody coming into your or your parent’s home, it is a big deal. You do not want just anybody coming into the house. So how do you make sure that you have the right people?
The first thing to screen for is level of service. Are they reliable? Do they arrive on schedule? Is the cost comparable to similar providers? Are they honest and trustworthy? Research any care providers before letting them into your home. Search online for reviews and ask for references. Finally, be sure to interview potential providers yourself. Any reputable provider will be willing and able to answer your questions easily.
Whether you are working with an agency or an independent provider, the first questions to ask are, “What services do you provide? How long have you been providing these services?” It is important to understand both what they will do and what they will not do. Because if additional services are needed in the future, it is best to plan ahead and begin the journey with a provider than can handle all of your anticipated needs.
“Are you licensed by the state?” If they are, then you can go and check on the state website. Be sure to ask them what department they are licensed through and research their ratings and history online, looking for any complaints or infractions.
“Do you perform background checks on your staff?” To me, this is a deal breaker. I am just not comfortable with anyone coming into the home who has not passed a background check. We had some folks come in and help out with my grandma and I was really picky about who came into her house.
“How will you communicate with family members if needed?” Sometimes, especially with home health care, you may need to be physically present depending on your Senior’s health level. If you are not going to be at the house in person, what is the communication process?
“Are your caregivers available 24 hours a day?” Depending on what you need, this may be important, or it may not be. Also be sure to ask about costs and any additional services that may be available.
Finally, always perform reference checks. If you prepare ahead of time, ask these questions, and do your reference checks, you will have a huge advantage when choosing between different providers. I have found that when you know what questions to, the person or agency you are interviewing will be more likely to tell you everything you need to know upfront. You are putting the odds in your Senior’s favor.
Recent Comments