Finding the right home care provider for your loved one
Not every caregiver has to handle the responsibility of caring for their loved one on their own, and it should never be considered a sign of weakness to ask for a helping hand.
Once you’ve made the decision to seek the help of a home care service, the next step is to find the agency that is best suited to serve and care for the needs of your loved one.
Of course there will be needs that are specific to your personal situation, but there are also certainly baseline questions that are important to incorporate into the process.
Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
First and foremost, ask whether they are licensed by the state and licensed as a business in the city. You want to be sure the agency is operating above board, since you’ll be entrusting them with the care of your loved one. Their care staff members should all be bonded and insured, and you should also make sure to grasp the full breadth of their offered services.
Find out more about their care staff
Their employees are the people who will be in your loved one’s home, so it is essential that you feel you can trust them. Ask about the agency’s hiring services, how they screen applicants, and the type of background checks they perform. It would also be worth inquiring about the types of training the agency provides for their care staff members.
Try to also learn as much as you can about the culture the agency cultivates among their employees, and the type of supervision that is conducted over the care staff.
There’s a chance you might have the opportunity to meet with members of the care staff and determine who you’re most comfortable with to provide care for your loved one.
Ask about the cost of their services
Will you have to sign a service contract or an agreement? What does the agency charge for their services, and are their additional fees? Are there different payment plans available to accommodate your financial situation? Will they work with your insurance company?
For some, these can be the most difficult questions to ask, but it is vital that you have a firm grasp of the financial aspects of their services. Having these questions answered upfront will go a long way towards making an informed decision and ensuring a smooth process.