With so many home care providers around the country, choosing the right one for your family can be challenging. Finding the right caregiver can bring peace of mind while selecting the wrong one can create worry and discomfort. When considering a home care agency, you should choose one that helps your family members while making you feel confident and comfortable. Before signing with a new home care agency, here are six factors to consider.
Service areas
Before looking into the credentials, affordability, and reviews for a home care agency, the first step is to consider the agency’s home care locations. If they don’t come to your loved one’s address, then the agency cannot help. For example, if you live in Riverside, CA, you’ll need an agency that provides in-home care in Riverside. Otherwise, any of the agency’s good traits are a moot point for you and your family.
Credentials
If the home care providers deliver services in your loved one’s neighborhood, the next step is to review their credentials. You’ll want someone who has health care experience and licenses for home health care. It’s also wise to find a home care service provider with third-party reviews and credentials that shows they are reliable and careful around aging adults.
Some of the credentialing agencies to look for include CAHSAH and the American Board of Home Care. The agency’s employees should also have training and a positive track record.
Back up care
The best home care agencies can give options for backup care if the primary caregiver is ill or has another commitment. Your loved one should be comfortable with their primary caregiver and their backup caregivers.
All caregivers should provide consistent service to keep your loved ones feeling comfortable and safe. The agency should provide care in the morning, noon, and night based on your loved one’s needs.
Service packages
All home care agencies operate similarly by providing packages to families like yours. These packages include services like grooming, preparing meals, and light housework. The packages should help meet your loved one’s needs and provide friendly companionship.
Note that caregivers are not licensed medical professionals and thus cannot support your loved one’s health care needs. Home care employees can help your loved one manage daily grooming and household tasks as well as report any troubling symptoms to the family.
Payment options
All home health care agencies are businesses. Agencies need their customers to pay for services to pay their employees and overhead expenses. Home health care agencies should offer various payment methods so families can afford the services. Some services provide monthly payments, while others accept payments on a sliding scale based on family income.
When choosing a home health care agency, you receive what you pay for, so don’t solely base your decision on price. If you like an agency out of your price range, talk to them about payment options.
Following CDC guidelines
Since the home health aid will be visiting your loved one’s home in the middle of a pandemic, the agency must follow the latest CDC guidelines.
Final word
Before choosing a home health care agency, take time to choose an agency that fits your loved one’s needs and your budget. With the right home care agency, you should feel comfortable leaving your loved one in their care.