When the time comes for you or your loved one to reach out for help, a lot of tough decisions become part of the conversation. Not only is it a stressful time, full of emotion and discomfort. Therefore, there are many options available that makes you overwhelming.
We understand that and want to help ease the stress of sifting through endless amounts of information. By simplifying your criteria into 3 important factors that can help you choose an agency that’s right for you.
First, Know the Differences
The types of services and caregivers providing and payment options are determined by whether skilled or unskilled care is needed. The medical home health care agency provides skilled services. When it is ordered by a physician such as skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and social work. However, some times agencies are licensed but its different by the state.
The non-medical home care agency provides what is termed unskilled supportive custodial care that is supplied by home health aides, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and also non-certified nurse aides, homemakers, and companions.
Non-medical home care agencies may or may not be licensed as requirements vary from state to state. It is important to note that unskilled personal care services such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation are what is needed most.
Second, Interviewing in-home care agencies
Most agencies will have their representative pay a visit to your home and conduct an interview with you. They will ask you some questions to find out what type of help you are seeking, of course, but this is your opportunity to ask some questions as well to verify some important things before making a choice.
Here are some guidelines on what to check when interviewing agencies:
- Guaranteed background checks for in-home care candidates they employ
- What level of training and experience do their caregivers offer?
- Medical training and licensed candidates if you require medically qualified assistance
- The agency will take care of payroll, taxes and legal matters regarding when employing a caregiver
- Availability of caregiver staff for example days of the week, holiday coverage, backup staff if needed, live-in services if needed
- Financial cost and payments
- What is the price of services (hourly wages or shift payment)?
- Payment for holidays, vacation, or sick days?
- Will you provide food for the care attendant meals or they bring their own food?
Third, Reduce Your Hospital Visits.
Home health care agencies helps you stay at home and support the goal of the patient getting better, not just keep them from getting worse. Therefore, Home health care agency that works with the patient to teach them how to care for their disease is one who has your best interests at heart.
This happens through a focused team of clinical professionals and nurses who can identify what’s keeping a patient from getting better. They can assess attitudes, and execute behavior modification techniques, that can change a patient’s perspective, and inspire independence as they learn to do many of their treatments themselves.
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