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Step 1
Assess your options. Before beginning the search for a home health aide, determine if you must pay for the service out of pocket or if insurance can cover some or all of the expense. If you are fortunate enough to have insurance coverage, you must follow their guidelines and find services or agencies that are approved.
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Step 2
Determine your needs. Find an agency that offers services that fulfill your personal and physical needs. Write down your specific needs and the hours when you need help. Refer to this list as you interview different agencies.
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Step 3
Begin your search for a qualified home health aide with neighbors, friends and family. Contact your local agency on aging, and other senior citizen services such as the local senior center. Don't overlook volunteer organizations. They might not be able to provide the complete care you need, but they might offer caregiver respite services and short term care.
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Step 4
Interview the home health agency before committing to their service. If Medicare is paying for the service the agency must be Medicare certified. Make sure the agency has state licensing, is bonded and insured and that all aides are certified.
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Step 5
Request references, descriptions and rates for the services offered. Find out if the agency has written care plans that are reviewed on a regular basis. Inquire about care updates with family members, even if they are long distance.
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Step 6
Make sure you understand how the agency handles dissatisfaction with an aide, since you must be comfortable with your home health aide. Do they replace the aide or let you interview their staff until you find one you are comfortable with? Find out if they rotate aides, or if you can choose the aide.
