“Home care” encompasses a wide array of services provided by aides, therapists, and nurses in home for a loved one or you. You might only briefly need home care to:
Recover from an injury or a hospitalization
Supplement services from assisted living or retirement communities
Remain healthy and independent at home, despite declining capabilities or chronic illness
Depending on the situation, you may need help around-the-clock, once a day, or for just a few hours a week.
How should you assess your caregiving needs?
It’s best to determine what kind of care you need before learning to be a good caregiver or for finding a qualified home care agency.
Would you need on a regular basis skilled care from a nurse or a therapist?
How about personal care services, such as help with bathing and dressing?
Are there mental health issues that need to be addressed?
Does your home need to be made safer and more accessible?
How often – and for how long – will you need care?
Is your situation likely to change in the near future?
When selecting a licensed Home Care Agency for you or loved one's caregiving needs, use these questions in making a selection.
1. Please provide documentation that your agency is registered?
2. Does your agency not have any citations or fines from the State you are licensed to work?
3. Does your agency have literature or a website that describes services, fees, and billing? If yes, please provide?
4. Does your agency work with us/me to develop a written plan of care or service contract?
5. Are your caregivers’ employees of the agency or are they independent contractors? (Use agency employees)
6. Does your agency pay workers’ compensation insurance and payroll taxes for its workers?
7. Does your agency provide written explanations of client and family rights?
8. How do the agency screen workers and assess their competency?
9. Are your agency caregivers and supervisors available 24/7/365?
10. How does the agency investigate complaints and/or resolve conflicts between its staff and clients?
11. Can your agency document that it carries professional & general liability insurance?
12. Regarding payment, does your agency only accept private pay and long-term insurance?
13 Will your agency provide a list of at least three references?
Complements of Aging in Place Essential Toolkit