PROFESSIONAL IN-HOME CARE
Remember that the same care is not right for everyone and people can have very different experiences with and perceptions of the same caregiver or agency. It is important to get a thorough idea of care services, fees, training, etc., to find the agency and / or caregiver that will best fit your care needs, personality, schedule and budget.
TIP: Once you decide to go the route of an in-home care agency or independent caregiver, if you have the time and energy, it can be helpful to contact at least two of them to schedule a consultation session.
Step 5: Consider these questions to help find the right care. Are there questions I should ask when hiring an in-home care agency?
About their business
How do they sound over the phone? Hopefully they sound professional, organized, passionate and not too sales-y.
Comments
How long have they been in business?
Are they privately owned or are they a franchise of a national company?
Do they have a current license to practice in the state? Are they certified by an accrediting body?
How extensive are their reference checks, background checks and drug screenings?
How many caregivers do they employ?
What is their turnover of staff?
Integrity of their care practices
Comments
What trainings do they provide their caregivers? How do they match their caregivers and clients?
Do they offer their clients a“ Patient’ s Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the person being cared for?
What procedures do they follow for ensuring patient confidentiality?
Do they write a plan of care and update the plan as necessary?