Choosing Home Care; Checklist
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by Carepathways & Homecarefiles
Choosing the right home care agency from the start can save a lot of time, frustration and possible disappointment later. First realize that Home Care Agencies are not all the same. As with any business, some companies are better managed and operated then their counterparts. Therefore focus your immediate attention on learning as much about an agency possible including their reputation in the community and qualifications of the owners/ managers. Be sure to select the right type of agency that actually meets you or your loved one's specific needs. Is a medical skilled home health care agency for nursing or physical therapy required or a non-medical supportive home care agency for personal care assistance or both needed? Research national accreditations, collect knowledgeable referrals, and personal recommendations from creditable sources whenever possible. Use the following checklist compiled by our experienced home care nurses to help you choose the right home care agency.by Carepathways & Homecarefiles
Does the agency provide services to my community and how many years have they been in business?
Does agency provide the type of services and caregivers that are needed? What other services are available that might be needed later?
Who owns the agency? Who runs day to day operations and any recent changes? Is the owner/manager a health professional or what type of background?
Is initial assessment visit performed by a health professional such as nurse? Does he/she meet at time and location convenient to patient and my family? How fast can they start care?
Does agency help with arrangements for necessary supplies and equipment in home, home modifications, and other community services such as meals on wheels, transportation, adult daycare?
Are families encouraged to participate with developing plan of care and are they involved with ongoing changes needed? Is written plan of care provided that clearly states services to be provided?
If private pay through non-medical agency: Is verbal and written information about costs for services and billing procedures provided?
If skilled care required, is agency Medicare and/or Medicaid certified: Will agency manage all 3rd party billing and accept reimbursements?
Access online Home Health Compare to evaluate patient care by Medicare/Medicaid certified agencies.
Has the agency been accredited by the "Joint Commission"? Some agencies subscribe to this accreditation to enhance quality of patient care and often considered "a feather in their cap"!
Access online performance results of Joint Commission accreditation surveys. QualityCheck.org
Do families have any say in the caregiver or caregivers sent to their home and will same person be returning each time? If unsatisfied with caregiver selection, can request changes and what accommodations are made?
Do the caregivers work directly for the agency? Are they referred by a staffing agency and if so does a nurse supervise them or who does and how often? Are staff licensed and bonded?
Are they subject to criminal background checks, routine drug testing and how many personal references on file? Does agency provide ongoing training to staff on regular basis?
Does agency have 24 on call system in place and who responds to emergencies?
Does the agency explain the "Patients Rights and Responsibilities"? Who should be called with questions or complaints? How can expect the agency respond?
Can agency provide creditable recommendations from other sources in the community such as local social service and health departments, physician offices and other long-term care workers?
Date added: 03/29/2011
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