Important Things to Know About Home Care Agencies

When looking into agencies for home care there are some important things to find out about regarding their services, credentials and fees.

Do not rush into making a decision regarding your home care. Take your time to evaluate the different agencies to determine the right fit for you. It is important to find out what services they provide, how often, by whom the care will be given and what the fees if any you will be expected to pay.

The questions you ask when investigating an agency should give you information regarding the qualifications of the agency, the quality of care they offer, what the cost of using the agency is, a complete explanation of the services they provide.

Examples of questions to ask:

How long has the agency been providing home care?

What governing agency(s) evaluate the agency?

What certificates or licenses are earned by the agency?

How many references can the agency provide? Will these references be from clients, doctors or other staff members?

What measures are taken to ensure client confidentiality?

What are the credentials of those providing the services?

It is really important to find out all you can about the quality of care that you will experience. Asking questions about the care you can expect to receive should follow along the lines of training, bonding and the following suggested questions:

What training does the staff receive and is it an ongoing process?

Will you be receiving care from any therapists or nurses and if so, will they be working directing with your healthcare provider, your family members and yourself?

Are all of the caregivers who will be working with you bonded and insured?

Is there going to be any type of supervision of those who are providing care?

Are there references on file at the agency for all of those working for the agency?

Make note of how friendly those you come in contact with from the agency are and how willing they are to answer your questions.

The agency should have policy in place to protect your privacy. The agency should have a screening process for those applying to work for them for your protection. When speaking with agency officials in the initial stages of the process, please make sure you ask about how they protect your privacy and about their screening process. You will be relying on them to hire those who will come in contact with you and you should be assured that the agency would only hire persons of utmost integrity, professionalism and good moral character.

Make sure that the agency will have caregivers who will match your list of needs. Your healthcare professional can help you make this list of home care requirements. Make sure that all of your needs will be met to your satisfaction.

It is vital that you understand the fee structure and that any insurance policy or other healthcare benefit is aware that you are looking into home care. They may have tips for you regarding how to select the best agency. Know what your financial obligations are to the agency and how fees will be allocated.

Get everything in writing from the fee schedule to the services provided as well as to any agreement between you and the agency. Have an attorney look over any written documentation and make sure that you understand everything before signing.