Home health care is a service that allows seniors to continue living in a home or apartment while also receiving daily care from professionals. It provides families and loved ones with security when dealing with limited mobility or medical issues. Choosing a provider for this service is a very important decision. The wrong service could cause stress and negativity. The right service could improve the quality of life for a senior significantly. Anyone who is choosing a home care provider will want to ask about several issues before making a decision.
Training And Qualifications
The first question to ask is about the training and qualifications of the caregivers who will be providing the senior care. Not all providers have the same standards. Some organizations rely heavily on minimally trained non-medical caregivers who provide mainly companionship and assistance with daily tasks. Some providers employ only certified nurses who have had formal medical training. The training requirements for the caregivers will determine the level of care available to a senior. Seniors who require intensive medical care are not likely to be a good match for a provider that only supplies a few hours of fast training to non-medical caregivers.
Type Of Care
Home health providers offer different levels of care depending on the company and the abilities of the caregivers. The exact needs of the senior should be written down and discussed with the provider in detail. Some services limit the type of care provided to basic medical needs such as monitoring of vital signs and administration of medication. Other services have specialists who can help seniors with in-home treatments and complex medical equipment. The provider should be able to accommodate all of the needs of the senior comfortably without having to make exceptions or special arrangements.
Introductions And Personality
The home health care provider should be asked about the introduction process. A good caregiver is a person who has a personality that matches or complements the personality of the client. Many services perform introductions in order to see if a new client and a caregiver can work together. Providers that do not have an introduction service for caregivers who will be spending large amounts of time providing senior care might not be the best choice. The provider service should also be asked about the processes involved in resolving problems with caregivers such as chronic lateness. A good resolution process will help to keep all parties happy.
References
Home health care providers should always be able to supply references when requested. References from previous clients will help to determine whether the service fits the needs of a senior and the family in ways not described in the literature. References will be able to provide information about billing practices, customer service and the quality of care. It is best to ask for references from previous clients who have actually worked with the caregiver who will be providing the senior care. This might not always be possible if the caregiver is new to the service. Families who are interviewing services should request two to three references in the area.