By Terri Polk
Whether you need help recovering from an accident, surgery, or need long term care for a chronic illness or disability, home health care is often a viable option that has been gaining popularity, for a reason. Studies have shown that recovering at home is better for a patient's physical and mental health. Today's home health care services can provide everything from help with errands and chores like cooking and cleaning, to skilled medical care from nurses and therapists. But with so many new home health care agencies popping up, how do you know which one to choose?
Luckily, if you follow these basic guidelines, you can be confidant when choosing your home health care provider :
• Check out the agency's credentials.
Make sure the home health care service you choose is licensed in your state, is certified by Medicare, and is accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program.
• Check out the caregivers' credentials.
Besides looking for providers that are friendly and helpful, make sure you inquire about the caregivers' professional training. Are they bonded and insured? Does the home health care service have a supervisor oversee the quality of the service? Also, ask for references for the caregivers themselves, and find out if the home health care agency screens their employees.
• Clarify all billing issues.
The agency should be able to provide literature clearly explaining its fees and services. Make sure you know up front about co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered expenses. Ask if they offer any kind of financial assistance to those in need.
• Be clear on what services you are getting.
Inquire about receiving a written plan detailing the services you will be receiving, so that there is no confusion. Make sure you know the specific services your home health caregiver will be providing, including any chores or housework. Also, find out what hours the home health care service provider has on-call help, in case of an emergency. A 24 hour hotline with someone on call is desirable and helpful.
Finally, after your home health care plan is in place, monitor the services, making sure it is in line with what was actually discussed. By taking these steps you can assure that your home health care service will be beneficial to all.
We Care Staffing : NY Home Health Care Services
http://www.wecarestaffinginc.com
We Care Staffing Inc. offers Home Health Care services in the comfort of your home. When temporary or long term health care is needed, We Care has it. We offer care in the comfort of your home with nursing personnel you can trust.
Written by Terri Polk at http://NewSunSEO.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_Polk
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Choose-a-Home-Health-Care-Service&id=1529130
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Need For Home Health Care Live in Services
By Matthew E. Fisher
The Home Health Care industry is growing at a tremendous rate. Even with America's ever slowing economy Home Care is still in high demand. Workers in the field of Home Health Care see this happening first hand. Instead of having Certified Nurses Aides come in home and do hourly care, Home Care sees an ever growing need for Home Health Aide Live In Services. This puts outstanding stress on Home Health Care Agencies to fill not only the clients physical and mental needs but also the financial needs as well. Not all Home Health Care Agencies can support these demands of Live In Services. This kind of valuable service gives the client a companion for care twenty four hours a day, seven days a week at virtually half the cost of hourly Home Health Care Services.
Home Care Agencies are a dime a dozen, finding out which one is ready to help you out can be a daunting and stressful task. For Home Care Services on a Live In basis there are things to look for and specific questions you can ask to help you decide if a particular Home Health Care Agency is right for your loved ones. For instance the differences between a 1099 agency and a w-2 agency are night and day to how services are brought to the client/s. Below is a comparison between a 1099 Agency and a w-2 Agency.
1099 Agency -
1). Works like a temp agency by sub contracting out caregivers that register with them.
2). Charges either the client or caregiver (sometimes both) a "finders fee"
3). All taxes (Workers Comp, Unemployment etc.) are left to the client and caregiver to pay.
4). If caregiver has an emergency and needs relief, it is the client/caregivers' responsibility to find coverage.
5). Has a typically lower rate than w-2 agencies and often can be negotiated with a caregiver.
6). 1099 Agency has no responsibility to the client after caregiver is selected and fees are paid.
W-2 Agency -
1). Works as the employer to all caregivers that register with the agency.
2). No fee for finding caregivers to work for the client.
3). All taxes are paid by the agency, none are left to the caregivers/clients to pay.
4). Time off taken by the caregiver is covered by the agency or any replacements for caregivers are also done by the agency at clients discretion.
5). Has typically a higher rate than 1099 agencies. Usually because they are paying all state and federal taxes.
6). W-2 Agency works directly for the client and their families.
Please visit our website at http://www.adhomehealthsolutions.com
These are just some of the differences you can expect from these two different kinds of Home Care Providers. Please visit me at http://www.adhomehealthsolutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_E._Fisher
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Need-For-Home-Health-Care-Live-in-Services&id=1407298
The Home Health Care industry is growing at a tremendous rate. Even with America's ever slowing economy Home Care is still in high demand. Workers in the field of Home Health Care see this happening first hand. Instead of having Certified Nurses Aides come in home and do hourly care, Home Care sees an ever growing need for Home Health Aide Live In Services. This puts outstanding stress on Home Health Care Agencies to fill not only the clients physical and mental needs but also the financial needs as well. Not all Home Health Care Agencies can support these demands of Live In Services. This kind of valuable service gives the client a companion for care twenty four hours a day, seven days a week at virtually half the cost of hourly Home Health Care Services.
Home Care Agencies are a dime a dozen, finding out which one is ready to help you out can be a daunting and stressful task. For Home Care Services on a Live In basis there are things to look for and specific questions you can ask to help you decide if a particular Home Health Care Agency is right for your loved ones. For instance the differences between a 1099 agency and a w-2 agency are night and day to how services are brought to the client/s. Below is a comparison between a 1099 Agency and a w-2 Agency.
1099 Agency -
1). Works like a temp agency by sub contracting out caregivers that register with them.
2). Charges either the client or caregiver (sometimes both) a "finders fee"
3). All taxes (Workers Comp, Unemployment etc.) are left to the client and caregiver to pay.
4). If caregiver has an emergency and needs relief, it is the client/caregivers' responsibility to find coverage.
5). Has a typically lower rate than w-2 agencies and often can be negotiated with a caregiver.
6). 1099 Agency has no responsibility to the client after caregiver is selected and fees are paid.
W-2 Agency -
1). Works as the employer to all caregivers that register with the agency.
2). No fee for finding caregivers to work for the client.
3). All taxes are paid by the agency, none are left to the caregivers/clients to pay.
4). Time off taken by the caregiver is covered by the agency or any replacements for caregivers are also done by the agency at clients discretion.
5). Has typically a higher rate than 1099 agencies. Usually because they are paying all state and federal taxes.
6). W-2 Agency works directly for the client and their families.
Please visit our website at http://www.adhomehealthsolutions.com
These are just some of the differences you can expect from these two different kinds of Home Care Providers. Please visit me at http://www.adhomehealthsolutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_E._Fisher
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Need-For-Home-Health-Care-Live-in-Services&id=1407298
Home Health Care Providers Help the Elderly Maintain a High Quality of Life
By Alice Lane
Home health care in Illinois is considered among the best in America. Being sick is not a normal part of getting old. Aging doesn't always entail forgetfulness, confusion, incontinence, or dizziness. On the contrary, these are symptoms which may be relieved or corrected. Although disease does not always accompany aging, nonetheless even normal aging can bring problems. It brings changes in some of the body's functions, and a slowdown in the body's systems.
Growing old affects different individuals in different ways. For example, a person might have a strong heart, but old kidneys. Or, they might have strong bones but old skin. These differences may require changing lifestyles, medical intervention, or perhaps merely slowing down. Some people must give up e.g. a favorite sport and switch to a less strenuous activity; others must take new medications. The elderly are no different than anyone else in needing to have control over their own lives and to be as self-reliant as possible, in spite of their medical condition. They need to maintain a high quality of life in their own homes or when they are returning home after being in the hospital.
It is the goal of Chicagoland assisted living providers to be supportive in helping older people live a life as normal as possible; help the care recipients to make their own choices and to determine the course of their own lives; and to help older people to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible. Home health care providers also have to assist the older people in being safe, since the leading cause of death in the elderly is accidents. They may have difficulty walking, have poor balance or slower reflexes, as well as poor vision. The elderly may fear for their own safety even in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. Losses of visual or hearing ability not only affect the older person's safety, but also reduced touch sensitivity can make it more difficult to distinguish between objects, or to sense temperature differences. Diminished smell and taste can cause an older person's eating habits to decline because the person no longer can smell or taste food. The home health care provider must be sensitive to changes in the recipient's sensory abilities as well as be understanding and respectful in order to provide care health home Illinois of the greatest quality, so that the elderly can feel secure and worthwhile as persons, and enjoy their lives fully.
Residents of Illinois are most fortunate in having available home health care in Illinois of the very best quality. Highly trained and motivated health care providers make Chicagoland assisted living the most distinguished in the nation. So when you think about care health home Illinois, think about Riverside Medical Center as your first and foremost option.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane
http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Health-Care-Providers-Help-the-Elderly-Maintain-a-High-Quality-of-Life&id=1448981
Home health care in Illinois is considered among the best in America. Being sick is not a normal part of getting old. Aging doesn't always entail forgetfulness, confusion, incontinence, or dizziness. On the contrary, these are symptoms which may be relieved or corrected. Although disease does not always accompany aging, nonetheless even normal aging can bring problems. It brings changes in some of the body's functions, and a slowdown in the body's systems.
Growing old affects different individuals in different ways. For example, a person might have a strong heart, but old kidneys. Or, they might have strong bones but old skin. These differences may require changing lifestyles, medical intervention, or perhaps merely slowing down. Some people must give up e.g. a favorite sport and switch to a less strenuous activity; others must take new medications. The elderly are no different than anyone else in needing to have control over their own lives and to be as self-reliant as possible, in spite of their medical condition. They need to maintain a high quality of life in their own homes or when they are returning home after being in the hospital.
It is the goal of Chicagoland assisted living providers to be supportive in helping older people live a life as normal as possible; help the care recipients to make their own choices and to determine the course of their own lives; and to help older people to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible. Home health care providers also have to assist the older people in being safe, since the leading cause of death in the elderly is accidents. They may have difficulty walking, have poor balance or slower reflexes, as well as poor vision. The elderly may fear for their own safety even in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. Losses of visual or hearing ability not only affect the older person's safety, but also reduced touch sensitivity can make it more difficult to distinguish between objects, or to sense temperature differences. Diminished smell and taste can cause an older person's eating habits to decline because the person no longer can smell or taste food. The home health care provider must be sensitive to changes in the recipient's sensory abilities as well as be understanding and respectful in order to provide care health home Illinois of the greatest quality, so that the elderly can feel secure and worthwhile as persons, and enjoy their lives fully.
Residents of Illinois are most fortunate in having available home health care in Illinois of the very best quality. Highly trained and motivated health care providers make Chicagoland assisted living the most distinguished in the nation. So when you think about care health home Illinois, think about Riverside Medical Center as your first and foremost option.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane
http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Health-Care-Providers-Help-the-Elderly-Maintain-a-High-Quality-of-Life&id=1448981
Consumer-Directed Or Agency-Directed Home Care - Which Model is Best?
By Murphy Ortiz
Seniors and their families throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia area suburbs use home health care services to remain living independently in their homes. Home care services, such as live-in caregivers and hourly companions allow seniors to age in place for as long as possible. There are basically two different models of home care, the registry (or consumer directed) model and the employee based (or agency directed). Both types can offer a variety of services to consumers, including nurses, home health aides, physical and occupational therapists, and companions. Each model has its pros and cons.
For most people, their first introduction to home care is through a referral by their physician, a discharge planner, social worker or geriatric care manager at discharge from a hospital stay or after finishing rehabilitation at a sub-acute center or rehab facility. People generally are not aware of the difference between consumer directed care and agency directed care.
The consumer directed care model is fashioned after the nurse registries that have been around since the civil war. In this model, an agency completes background checks on the candidate, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, interviews, social security checks and any other checks the agency feels necessary. Once the candidate is approved the agency will then refer them to the client in need of service. In this situation, the consumer is in charge, thus the term consumer directed model. They have the power and control to tell the caregiver what, when and where they want their services performed. They also decide how much they are willing to pay for services. Since caregivers set their own rates and families dictate what they are willing to pay, one of the registries main jobs is to find a good match between the two. Because the registry takes a much smaller fee than an agency, it is usually possible to make both the consumer and caregiver happy financially, thus creating a mutually happy relationship
The other model of home care is the agency directed care model. The agency directed model evolved out of the government funded programs that pay agencies to be the provider of services. With the agency directed model, the agency recruits, hires, trains, supervises, disciplines and sets the rate it charges patients and the wages it pays the caregivers. The agency would also develop the plan of care for the patient and selects the caregiver(s) to provide the care.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both models of home care. You need to decide which type of business is right for you or your loved one. Some of the advantages of the registry model are:
The cost of service is usually lower than the agency model
The client decides who provides their care, what services will be provided, and when service is provided
The caregivers typically earn more, therefore attracting a higher caliber caregiver
The client can obtain service on a long term, emergency, short term, or respite basis
Once the client selects a caregiver, the agency doesn't have the authority to reassign that caregiver. The client determines if/when service ends.
The registry can serve as the liaison between client and care provider
Some of the disadvantages of the registry model are:
The care provider is not supervised by an agency nurse
Most caregivers carry their own liability insurance but are not covered through the agency for worker's compensation. The consumer should check with their homeowner's policy as this often covers injuries in the home.
The caregiver is working as an independent contractor and is therefore responsible for filing their own taxes. Depending on the situation, the client/family may be the employer and need to take out payroll taxes which can be easily set up with a payroll service.
Some of the advantages of the agency model include:
The caregivers are is always the employee of the agency
The agency deducts all taxes
The caregivers are supervised by an agency nurse
Some of the disadvantages of the agency model include:
Costs tend to be higher
Caregivers, being paid by the agency, don't earn as much as those with registries
The agency determines who is assigned and reassigned to each client. This means the agency can pull a caregiver from your job in order to place them in a different position, even if you are very happy with your caregiver.
Family has less control over how services are performed.
There are supporters to both the agency and registry models of home care. Each person seeking care for themselves or a loved one needs to decide which model they are most comfortable with and which meets their needs best.
Murphy Ortiz is the manager of Family Choice Home Care. For more information about senior safety or home health care in New Jersey or Philadelphia, go to http://www.familychoicecares.com or call 856-273-7700
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murphy_Ortiz
http://EzineArticles.com/?Consumer-Directed-Or-Agency-Directed-Home-Care---Which-Model-is-Best?&id=1366971
Seniors and their families throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia area suburbs use home health care services to remain living independently in their homes. Home care services, such as live-in caregivers and hourly companions allow seniors to age in place for as long as possible. There are basically two different models of home care, the registry (or consumer directed) model and the employee based (or agency directed). Both types can offer a variety of services to consumers, including nurses, home health aides, physical and occupational therapists, and companions. Each model has its pros and cons.
For most people, their first introduction to home care is through a referral by their physician, a discharge planner, social worker or geriatric care manager at discharge from a hospital stay or after finishing rehabilitation at a sub-acute center or rehab facility. People generally are not aware of the difference between consumer directed care and agency directed care.
The consumer directed care model is fashioned after the nurse registries that have been around since the civil war. In this model, an agency completes background checks on the candidate, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, interviews, social security checks and any other checks the agency feels necessary. Once the candidate is approved the agency will then refer them to the client in need of service. In this situation, the consumer is in charge, thus the term consumer directed model. They have the power and control to tell the caregiver what, when and where they want their services performed. They also decide how much they are willing to pay for services. Since caregivers set their own rates and families dictate what they are willing to pay, one of the registries main jobs is to find a good match between the two. Because the registry takes a much smaller fee than an agency, it is usually possible to make both the consumer and caregiver happy financially, thus creating a mutually happy relationship
The other model of home care is the agency directed care model. The agency directed model evolved out of the government funded programs that pay agencies to be the provider of services. With the agency directed model, the agency recruits, hires, trains, supervises, disciplines and sets the rate it charges patients and the wages it pays the caregivers. The agency would also develop the plan of care for the patient and selects the caregiver(s) to provide the care.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both models of home care. You need to decide which type of business is right for you or your loved one. Some of the advantages of the registry model are:
The cost of service is usually lower than the agency model
The client decides who provides their care, what services will be provided, and when service is provided
The caregivers typically earn more, therefore attracting a higher caliber caregiver
The client can obtain service on a long term, emergency, short term, or respite basis
Once the client selects a caregiver, the agency doesn't have the authority to reassign that caregiver. The client determines if/when service ends.
The registry can serve as the liaison between client and care provider
Some of the disadvantages of the registry model are:
The care provider is not supervised by an agency nurse
Most caregivers carry their own liability insurance but are not covered through the agency for worker's compensation. The consumer should check with their homeowner's policy as this often covers injuries in the home.
The caregiver is working as an independent contractor and is therefore responsible for filing their own taxes. Depending on the situation, the client/family may be the employer and need to take out payroll taxes which can be easily set up with a payroll service.
Some of the advantages of the agency model include:
The caregivers are is always the employee of the agency
The agency deducts all taxes
The caregivers are supervised by an agency nurse
Some of the disadvantages of the agency model include:
Costs tend to be higher
Caregivers, being paid by the agency, don't earn as much as those with registries
The agency determines who is assigned and reassigned to each client. This means the agency can pull a caregiver from your job in order to place them in a different position, even if you are very happy with your caregiver.
Family has less control over how services are performed.
There are supporters to both the agency and registry models of home care. Each person seeking care for themselves or a loved one needs to decide which model they are most comfortable with and which meets their needs best.
Murphy Ortiz is the manager of Family Choice Home Care. For more information about senior safety or home health care in New Jersey or Philadelphia, go to http://www.familychoicecares.com or call 856-273-7700
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murphy_Ortiz
http://EzineArticles.com/?Consumer-Directed-Or-Agency-Directed-Home-Care---Which-Model-is-Best?&id=1366971
11 Places to Find Home Health Care Aides
By Scott Ueda
There are a few common places that many families use to recruit home health aides. The most frequently used sources are:
-Independent Living Centers
-Your doctor's office
-Nursing Schools
-Physical Therapy Schools
-Vocational Schools (Including Certified Nursing Assistant programs)
-A home health-care agency
-State Department of Developmental Disability or County Vocational Rehabilitation
-Ads in local newspapers/classifieds
-Bulletin boards at schools, community colleges, places of worship, etc.
-Word of mouth
-Craigslist.org
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) often provide training programs for home health aides. CILs assist people with disabilities to live independently and offer information on managing personal assistants and a referral service. As with any other referral service, you should check the references and do an extensive interview on personal assistants. Similar programs are offered in rural areas called programs for rural independent living.
Senior centers can also be valuable resources as many maintain a list of people willing to do attendant work. If you have sough medical attention in the past, your physician, social worker, rehabilitation therapist, or other medical staff may have information on home health aides.
You may also want to contact nursing schools in your area either directly or posting job listings on their bulletin boards. Nursing students are frequently looking to gain experience and will likely view your care needs very seriously.
In the case that you do not find an adequate [http://www.connectingcaregivers.com]home health aide, you can always use an agency. The employees provided by the agency are usually more trained. In the event that you PA quits or takes a leave, agencies provide immediate replacements. Agencies provide insurance coverage and benefits to their employees which contributes to a more stable workforce. The downfall of using an agency is that you do not have as much freedom to choose your assistant as hiring independently, and much of the time there are restrictions on the tasks that their HHAs can do. Agencies are often much more expensive than hiring independently.
Many people have been successful using Refugee agencies. You can offer training in English as part of a benefits package. They sometimes offer additional support and training.
Finally, word of mouth is a powerful recruiting method. Ask family members and friends who have sought care in the past. Ask them about their experience with the HHA, but remember to do your own research and background check on the individual.
For more information concerning respite care and home health aide please visit www.connectingcaregivers.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Ueda
http://EzineArticles.com/?11-Places-to-Find-Home-Health-Care-Aides&id=1355375
There are a few common places that many families use to recruit home health aides. The most frequently used sources are:
-Independent Living Centers
-Your doctor's office
-Nursing Schools
-Physical Therapy Schools
-Vocational Schools (Including Certified Nursing Assistant programs)
-A home health-care agency
-State Department of Developmental Disability or County Vocational Rehabilitation
-Ads in local newspapers/classifieds
-Bulletin boards at schools, community colleges, places of worship, etc.
-Word of mouth
-Craigslist.org
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) often provide training programs for home health aides. CILs assist people with disabilities to live independently and offer information on managing personal assistants and a referral service. As with any other referral service, you should check the references and do an extensive interview on personal assistants. Similar programs are offered in rural areas called programs for rural independent living.
Senior centers can also be valuable resources as many maintain a list of people willing to do attendant work. If you have sough medical attention in the past, your physician, social worker, rehabilitation therapist, or other medical staff may have information on home health aides.
You may also want to contact nursing schools in your area either directly or posting job listings on their bulletin boards. Nursing students are frequently looking to gain experience and will likely view your care needs very seriously.
In the case that you do not find an adequate [http://www.connectingcaregivers.com]home health aide, you can always use an agency. The employees provided by the agency are usually more trained. In the event that you PA quits or takes a leave, agencies provide immediate replacements. Agencies provide insurance coverage and benefits to their employees which contributes to a more stable workforce. The downfall of using an agency is that you do not have as much freedom to choose your assistant as hiring independently, and much of the time there are restrictions on the tasks that their HHAs can do. Agencies are often much more expensive than hiring independently.
Many people have been successful using Refugee agencies. You can offer training in English as part of a benefits package. They sometimes offer additional support and training.
Finally, word of mouth is a powerful recruiting method. Ask family members and friends who have sought care in the past. Ask them about their experience with the HHA, but remember to do your own research and background check on the individual.
For more information concerning respite care and home health aide please visit www.connectingcaregivers.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Ueda
http://EzineArticles.com/?11-Places-to-Find-Home-Health-Care-Aides&id=1355375
How to Find the Right Home Health Care Agency
By Marlo Sollitto
Marilyn is a 72-year-old widow who recently underwent heart angioplasty surgery. She is preparing to leave the hospital soon. But recovering from open-heart surgery is a long process, and her family knows she will need continued medical assistance once she gets home. The family must find a reputable home health care agency that can provide licensed nurses as well as aides to tend to Marilyn on a daily basis.
Finding the right agency can be a daunting task, but not impossible, says Tilly Gambill, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the American Association for Homecare.
"People often receive home health services following a hospitalization or care in other care settings. Often the hospital discharge planner or social worker provides information on home health agencies," Gambill says. "Ask the hospital for a list of home health care agencies in your community. In some communities, there may fewer available agencies. Physicians, friends, and family can recommend home health agencies, as well."
The family got 2 references from the hospital and one from a family friend whose father with hypertension and diabetes receives home care services weekly.
To help them select the right provider, the National Association for Home Care suggests asking the following questions:
Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider
What are the qualifications and experience?
How long has the agency been in business?
Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
Is the agency licensed by the state?
Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
Is the agency inspected by any outside organization? May I see the results of the last inspection?
Does the agency perform a customer satisfaction survey? May I see the results of the last survey?
Questions About Caregivers
What are the credentials of the caregivers who work for the agency?
How does the agency select and train caregivers?
Do caregivers work directly for the agency? How are they supervised?
Are caregivers subject to criminal background checks?
Will the same caregiver be sent to my home for each visit?
Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient's home care needs?
If so, what does this entail?
Do they consult the patient's physicians and family members?
Is the patient's course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each caregiver?
Will the agency schedule care at any time of the day or night that my physician says is necessary?
Can the agency provide me with written information about the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers?
Whom should I call with questions or complaints? How will the agency respond?
Questions About Services Provided
Can the agency provide me with written information about the services available?
Is there a written plan of care for each patient?
Does the agency involve the patient and caregivers in designing this plan and educate them about the care provided?
How does the agency respond to emergencies? How long does it take to respond to calls?
Will the agency help me find other community services such as Meals on Wheels or homemakers services, or help find medical equipment I may need?
Questions About Financials
Is the agency certified by Medicare?
Is the agency approved or accepted by my insurance plan or supplemental insurance?
How does the agency handle expenses and billing?
Does the agency provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
What resources does the agency provide to help me get financial assistance, if needed?
For more articles on caring for your agents parents, visit http://www.agingcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marlo_Sollitto
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Find-the-Right-Home-Health-Care-Agency&id=1358008
Marilyn is a 72-year-old widow who recently underwent heart angioplasty surgery. She is preparing to leave the hospital soon. But recovering from open-heart surgery is a long process, and her family knows she will need continued medical assistance once she gets home. The family must find a reputable home health care agency that can provide licensed nurses as well as aides to tend to Marilyn on a daily basis.
Finding the right agency can be a daunting task, but not impossible, says Tilly Gambill, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the American Association for Homecare.
"People often receive home health services following a hospitalization or care in other care settings. Often the hospital discharge planner or social worker provides information on home health agencies," Gambill says. "Ask the hospital for a list of home health care agencies in your community. In some communities, there may fewer available agencies. Physicians, friends, and family can recommend home health agencies, as well."
The family got 2 references from the hospital and one from a family friend whose father with hypertension and diabetes receives home care services weekly.
To help them select the right provider, the National Association for Home Care suggests asking the following questions:
Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider
What are the qualifications and experience?
How long has the agency been in business?
Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
Is the agency licensed by the state?
Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
Is the agency inspected by any outside organization? May I see the results of the last inspection?
Does the agency perform a customer satisfaction survey? May I see the results of the last survey?
Questions About Caregivers
What are the credentials of the caregivers who work for the agency?
How does the agency select and train caregivers?
Do caregivers work directly for the agency? How are they supervised?
Are caregivers subject to criminal background checks?
Will the same caregiver be sent to my home for each visit?
Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient's home care needs?
If so, what does this entail?
Do they consult the patient's physicians and family members?
Is the patient's course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each caregiver?
Will the agency schedule care at any time of the day or night that my physician says is necessary?
Can the agency provide me with written information about the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers?
Whom should I call with questions or complaints? How will the agency respond?
Questions About Services Provided
Can the agency provide me with written information about the services available?
Is there a written plan of care for each patient?
Does the agency involve the patient and caregivers in designing this plan and educate them about the care provided?
How does the agency respond to emergencies? How long does it take to respond to calls?
Will the agency help me find other community services such as Meals on Wheels or homemakers services, or help find medical equipment I may need?
Questions About Financials
Is the agency certified by Medicare?
Is the agency approved or accepted by my insurance plan or supplemental insurance?
How does the agency handle expenses and billing?
Does the agency provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
What resources does the agency provide to help me get financial assistance, if needed?
For more articles on caring for your agents parents, visit http://www.agingcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marlo_Sollitto
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Find-the-Right-Home-Health-Care-Agency&id=1358008
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