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Helpful Tips When Choosing Home Health Care

We’re all familiar with the concepts of powers of attorney for property and personal care and estate planning for disabled individuals.

But there are many questions to consider with choosing home health care for a family member.

We asked Andrea Warren of Classic Lifecare for her insights on “tips to remember.” Andrea is a good person to ask:  while experiencing a long and life-changing illness, she herself could no longer engage in daily living without the assistance of a caregiver.

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When you are doing your research for a home health care agency, you are seeking a trustworthy company that will assist you in providing for the health and safety of you and your loved one.

Ask Questions

The first rule: don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind. Don’t worry about taking too much of anyone’s time with your questions.

Making the Decision

Generally speaking, there are three considerations to remember when deciding to access home care:

  1. Independence – Some people feel a loss of independence when they make the decision for home care. However, the right provider will actually support your independence.
  2. Strength – It takes a strong person to ask for help – and to determine exactly what that help will look like in the scheme of their own life and preferences.
  3. Convenience – Home care can be tailored exactly to your requests and needs. So rather than feeling bound to a schedule, the care can be flexible and accommodating.

Other Important Questions

  • What services does the agency provide?
  • Can the agency provide all of the services that you require?
  • Does the agency service the area in which you life in?
  • Will the agency do an assessment and put together a personal care plan?
  • Can the agency provide training around the use of any necessary medical equipment?
  • Are services available 24hours, 7 days a week?
  • Can the agency start immediately or is there a waiting list?
  • How long has the agency been providing home care services for?
  • Does the agency have references and testimonials?
  • Is the agency inspected by an outside organization?
  • What are the costs? Will there be an increase in costs over time?
  • Are any of the costs covered?
  • How often does the agency bill?
  • Does the agency provide payment plan options?
  • What are the employees’ qualifications?
  • Does the agency require and verify employee references?
  • Are the employees bonded?
  • Are the necessary insurances in place for the employees and covered by an agency?
  • Examples are workers compensation, liability and employment insurance.
  • Is it possible to meet and interview the employees?
  • Are nurses available to supervise the care?
  • Is it possible to cancel services at any time?

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