How to Choose In-Home Care Services

For many chronically ill or physically impaired elders, home health care services allow these individuals to remain living at home as independently as possible. Today’s in-home services are designed to meet all kinds of needs ranging from housekeeping and meal preparation to errand runs and assistance with other activities of daily living. Help is also available in the form of home health aides or visiting nurses, as well as physical and occupational therapies. But before you hire any home health agency, you should consider a few items.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider the types of assistance you or your family member may require. Evaluate your current needs carefully. Do not hesitate to talk to your physician and other health care workers who have been involved in your care and ask what they recommend.

2. Look at whether the agency is certified or licensed with the state. Find out if Medicare has certified the agency. Contact your state health department for more information.

3. Look at how long the agency has been in business and if the agency carries liability insurance. Inquire if the agency’s caregivers are bonded and whether a criminal background check is conducted on each employee. Also, ask about what specific training is required for the agency’s employees.

4. Consider the kinds of references the agency can provide. Ask for the names of several former clients, as well as doctors and other health care professionals who have firsthand knowledge about the agency and the quality of the services it provides. Be sure to find out if the agency has someone on call 24/7 should a problem or emergency situation arise in your home at any time.

5. Look at affordability and quality of care. Request a brochure or detailed explanation of eligibility requirements. In addition, ask for published information outlining all the fees and costs associated with the home care services the agency provides. Costs will vary depending on the types of services required. Any legitimate agency should be willing to make this information readily available. It is important to make certain beforehand that you have a clear understanding of the types of services to be provided.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask if the agency provides a “Patient’s Bill of Rights,” a document that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency providing care and the individual for whom care is being provided.
• To find out more about home health care agencies in your local area, contact the Area Agency on Aging in your community for assistance.
• Keep in mind that if you hire a private caregiver rather than going through a home health agency, you assume a number of responsibilities. But if you decide to go by way of an agency, the agency assumes full liability for all care. There also will be a backup system in place.