Choosing a Home Health Agency
When a family member has to go through a serious health condition, the last thing you want is for them to be alone. If you’re looking for an option that can help your loved one stay connected with their friends and family while they get the care they need, home healthcare agencies are a great way to go. These agencies provide services that help keep your loved one happy while also keeping them healthy enough to live at home. In this guide, we’ll discuss what you need to know before choosing a home healthcare agency and how they can improve your loved one's quality of life.
Step 1 - Ask the Right Questions
Are they licensed? Licensed agencies must meet certain standards of educational and clinical experience, as well as pass an examination. Many states require continuing education for licenses and certification renewals, so it is important to check if the agency will be able to keep up with these requirements while providing quality care for your loved one.
Do they have specialized training in your loved one’s condition? Some agencies might advertise themselves as being experts in specific areas such as cancer or diabetes care but do not have any proof that this isn't just marketing fluff intended to lure clients into hiring them without asking any further questions about their qualifications for treating those conditions specifically.
What forms of payment do they accept? And do they take your insurance?
Step 2 - Know What You’re Looking For in a Home Health Agency
Choosing a home health agency is not a decision that should be taken lightly, so make sure you know exactly what your family members' needs are. Do they require 24/7 care, do they need someone to help get them ready in the morning? Is it important to them to have a caregiver who speaks their language and understands their culture?
It is important to find an agency with a reputation for being compassionate. Ask about what their philosophy and mission statement is, how they treat their employees, how they handle patients who have complex needs and disabilities, etc.
Step 3 - Read Reviews
Look for reviews from current clients on third-party sites such as Yelp! or Google Reviews (and make sure those reviews are legitimate!). In addition, look at the Better Business Bureau's website to see if there have been any complaints filed against them in recent years - you can also check out other sites for home healthcare ratings such as Seniors.com, A Place for Mom, or Care.com to learn more about how any agency is rated. Keep in mind that not agencies will be featured there.
Step 4 - Verify References
Consider looking at references given by other family members who've used this same home healthcare provider before; if possible contact them directly via phone calls so you can ask specific questions about their experiences working together with this particular company over time (this way they won't feel pressured into giving favorable answers just because it would make them seem rude otherwise).
Conclusion
We know how difficult it can be to find the right home health care for your loved one, but we also know that there is a great solution out there for everyone. Whether you need help with cooking, cleaning or driving, there are many options available for people with all kinds of needs. Contact us for a free assessment today!