Caring for loved ones who are either aging or experiencing long-term disabilities is already stressful, even before the added stress of identifying the best in-home personal care provider for them. You want to find a home healthcare service provider who will bring to your loved one not only their expertise but also their reliability and kindness. Making the right choice will help you step back with peace of mind, knowing that the person you care about remains fully cared for.
Here are a few questions to ask that can help you narrow down the best choice.
What Type of Home Healthcare Does Your Loved One Need?
Not all services are created equal, and some specialize in particular kinds of care. That’s why your first step is to discuss — with both your loved one and their doctor — the specific care they are likely to need. Some clients of home healthcare providers may simply need assistance with ADLs. That’s home healthcare parlance for Activities of Daily Living, such as brushing teeth, combing hair, dressing and undressing, bathing, and moving about. These activities are typically performed by certified nursing assistants.
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Other clients, though, might need specialized medical attention that will require the services of a licensed nurse who can administer medication, provide enteral feeding, or check oxygen equipment. Which tasks fall under a licensed nurse’s scope of care and which can be completed by a nursing aide vary a little by state; for example, in some states, skilled nursing aides may have access to advanced certifications that allow them to give G-tube feeds or draw blood.
Still other providers focus on non-nursing activities like companionship and homemaking (which could involve housekeeping or cooking meals). Some agencies that offer care support at home also assist with transportation, helping your loved one participate in the community (whether that means a day at the park or a trip to the movies or the theater), or may have specialists in in-home memory care for patients with dementia. Your loved one might also need in-home visits from physical or occupational therapists, depending on their condition.
As you research different home healthcare agencies, take note of what is — and isn’t — included in their suite of services.
Can You Trust Their Credentials and Experience?
You may have heard horror stories of small, family-run home healthcare agencies that were later investigated for client neglect or even abuse. While this is far from the norm, the fact that it does happen adds urgency to verifying that the agency you are considering is both legitimate and abundantly qualified. If you are considering an independent provider, check their state licensing and certifications; state governments have strict requirements for home healthcare providers.
Besides credentials, take into consideration the years (and quality) of experience that the individual or agency brings to the table. How long have they been operating? What do their past clients have to say about them? Sometimes a large agency will open a new office (either new geographically or new in terms of the services provided). If this is the case and you will be working with a new home healthcare team at an older agency, make sure to ask about the experience and qualifications of those new staff.
Will Your Loved One Feel Comfortable With Them?
Besides skills, credentials, and expertise, kindness and rapport are also important. If your loved one doesn’t feel comfortable with their care provider, then it doesn’t really matter how skilled the caregiver is; your loved one may suffer misery or loneliness even in their very qualified care. Personal connection is fundamental to your loved one’s well-being, and a great caregiver will not only help with daily tasks or medical care but will take the time to talk, listen, and help your loved one feel supported and at ease. It’s in the job title after all; a caregiver needs to be caring.
If the match doesn’t appear to be working well, and if your loved one agrees, you may need to talk with the home healthcare agency about finding a different member of their team to work with. Most of all, trust your instincts.
How Much Will It Cost?
Once you have options at hand for a reputable, caring, and skilled provider, the last item to consider is cost — and what payment options may be available. Find out precisely what your state Medicaid program or private health insurance plan will and won’t cover, and check what insurance policies the home healthcare agency will accept. Some agencies allow flexible payment plans. Some charge hourly rates, while others package services at a flat fee.
Make sure to also ask about whether there is a requirement for minimum hours, as well as any extra charges that could be incurred. If you have to cancel an appointment, what is the procedure for doing that, and does that entail a cancellation fee?
A Choice That Matters
When you choose a personal home care provider for someone you love, take the time to thoroughly vet the options and to consider the decision. This will make it more likely that the caregiver you bring into the home will bring your loved one comfort and safety while bringing you reassurance and some inner peace. Your loved one deserves the best care possible, and if your loved one is ailing or in their twilight years, it could be one of the most important decisions you make with them.
