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Selecting a caregiver for yourself or a
loved one can be a very confusing and difficult
decision. Whether you have gotten a referral, seen an
advertisement, or are checking the yellow pages, there
are very important questions to ask to make your
decision easier. A few things to consider:
- Are caregiver DMV, social security and criminal
background checks done?
- Are the caregiver's schooling and employment
references checked?
- Are initial evaluation visits made to coordinate
services?
- Are administrative ongoing visits made when needed?
- Is insurance billed as a courtesy when applicable?
- Is a service coordinator available by phone, 24
hours a day, 7 days a week?
- Are replacement caregivers available as needed?
- Does the client have the freedom to change,
increase, decrease and cancel services?
- Is the client's confidentiality protected?
- Does the agency use a team approach and consider
the needs of the client, the family and the caregiver?
- Was the initial contact with the agency a pleasant
and positive experience?
- A client (or an applicant) should be able to answer
"YES" to all of the above.
Additional home health care information the client
will need:
What is the hourly and/or live in rate?
Does the agency have a minimum number of hours?
How much notice does the agency need to start service?
What duties can the caregiver perform?
How established in the agency in the community?
Allowing
professional caregivers into the home can be new and
sometimes frightening, but being well informed of
the qualifications of the agency and their
caregivers can make it a rewarding and positive
experience. With a little assistance, it allows the
client to remain safely in the home. After all,
there is no place like home!
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