Before you sign a contract with a home care agency, you should ask about their financial operations, hiring practices, services, and accountability measures. Finding the right home care provider is a deeply personal decision and it’s hard to know where to start. These 10 questions can help. It’s better to be thorough when vetting agencies rather than having to change agencies later after a problem arises. Most home care agencies do an excellent job, but for you and your loved one’s sake, make sure you get answers to these key questions.
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Many states require a home care agency to be licensed in order to provide services. Licensure is not an evaluation of the quality of a home care provider, but it indicates that they should be able to offer a basic level of care. While each state has different licensing requirements for home care, most require background checks, training programs, and safety and ethics protocols. Licensed home care agencies are accountable to the state for any misconduct or abuse by their employees, and because of this, many families consider them a safer bet for their loved ones. Some states don’t require licensing for home care agencies, so it’s best to check the requirements for your state.
Home health care agencies are typically licensed differently than home care agencies. Home health care includes medical care, while home care only offers nonmedical services, like help with activities of daily living or companionship.
Home care bonds offer financial protection to seniors and their families in case of malicious treatment or damages caused by a provider. The company that issues the bond often reviews a provider to verify the quality of their services, so a bonded home care agency is more likely to provide high quality services. While not required by law, many home care providers are bonded, and it can offer some security to the clients.
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An agency needs to be properly insured so that you and your family are not liable if a caregiver is injured on your property. It’s also important that an agency has business liability insurance to help cover the cost of any injury or property damage. Home care providers often have business liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You can always ask an agency for a copy of their insurance certificate for confirmation.
Contacting references can help you feel more confident that your loved one will receive quality care. You can also learn more about the caregiver’s personality and what their bedside manner is like from a reference. Although online reviews can be helpful, contacting a reference is a good way to verify that the reviews are accurate.
How an agency assesses a client’s care needs and schedule can offer insight into whether they’ll be a good fit. You should have a clear idea of what services your loved one will or will not be receiving after creating the care plan. Inquire about who is involved in creating the care plan. Family input should be welcomed and many home care agencies have a registered nurse on staff to oversee the process. Consider asking how often the care plan is updated, and whether or not family members can request a reassessment of the care plan.
The type of care an agency offers can often dictate whether or not it’s a good fit for your loved one. Additionally, families with loved ones living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or another condition should make sure caregivers have the specialized training and knowledge to match their client’s care needs. Some home care agencies specialize in helping seniors with specific conditions, so don’t assume that all agencies are equipped to handle your loved one’s needs.
Families trust home care agencies to help them find a caregiver who’s knowledgeable, trustworthy, dependable, and friendly. Understanding an agency’s hiring policy and vetting process can instill trust, and provide peace of mind. If an agency is licensed and bonded, it’s highly likely that the care providers have undergone rigorous background checks.
Having reliable care, even when a caregiver has to miss a shift, is one of the top reasons why families choose an agency over a private caregiver. Most home care agencies will schedule a substitute caregiver to ensure your loved one continues to receive care. Understanding how a home care agency handles unforeseen care and staffing circumstances can help you feel better prepared.
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Home care agencies typically require a minimum number of caregiver hours or shifts per week. They may also charge different rates for nights, weekends, and holidays. Some home care agencies may also require a deposit for services. Make sure to ask how the agency charges so you can compare the agency’s costs with your loved one’s budget.
Many families pay for home care services using private funds. But some agencies may accept payment through long-term care insurance, veteran’s benefits, or public options such as Medicaid or Medicare for those who qualify. Eligibility for financial assistance varies by state and individual need.
Read more:Complete Guide to Home Care
The main advantage of using a home care agency vs. a private caregiver is that an agency will handle the background check and screening process for its employees. Another advantage is that the agency will handle scheduling and assign substitute caregivers. When choosing a private caregiver, the senior’s family may need to handle these essential steps on their own.
Searching for a home care provider that meets your family’s needs can be challenging. A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help you navigate the uncertainties and find the home care provider that fits your family’s budget. Our experts work closely with local providers and senior living communities to help you find the senior care option that works best for your elderly loved one.
Key Takeaways
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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