When working to keep a loved one in their home for as long as possible, you and other family members may have to provide assistance for some tasks. When your loved one needs more help than family and friends can provide, a home health aide service can fill in these critical gaps.
Home health care aides provide invaluable services. They can assist with the activities of daily living,helping your loved one maintain the highest possible quality of life. But choosing a provider for senior home care can be confusing and daunting. We are here to help you know what to look for and the steps to take to select the best service provider for you and your loved one.
No. 1: Determine the Type of Home Health Care Services You Need
Different types of in-home care providers offer different types and levels of services. When you have a family member who requires elder care, memory care or medical home health care, you will want to look for an agency whose aides are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs).
These professionals have been trained to to assist their patients with the activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting. CNAs and GNAs are an integral part of the treatment team and communicate frequently with the patient’s medical team.
Choosing an agency that provides a full range of ADL assistance will allow your loved one’s caregivers to continue to assist them, even when their needs increase or change.
No. 2: Find Local Home Health Services Providers
Although you have many options to choose from when looking for home health services providers, consider locally owned and operated agencies. Locally owned agencies, like Comfort Home Care, are a part of the community. They have a vested interest in the people they support. They are your neighbors.
Once you have chosen a home-health provider, you will want to check their background. You will want to verify the agency is licensed to provide residential services and that they use a rigorous screening process when hiring caregivers. Finally, inquire as to how they monitor and track the progress of their clients. Does the agency periodically send out a qualified individual, such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or administrator, to review the client’s care plan and make any necessary adjustments?
No. 3: Understand the Home Health Aide Agency Patient Need Process
It’s important to understand how a home-healthcare agency evaluates the needs of it’s patients. An in-home visit and evaluation is critical. A comprehensive care plan can only be developed by evaluating your loved one in their home, talking to their family caregivers, and talking to their medical team about their needs.
You will want to understand how home health aides that will be providing care for your loved one are selected. A good relationship and strong bond between the client – patient and family members alike- and their caregivers are essential for creating the best in-home care environment.
Before choosing an in-home health aid provider in Rockville, contact Comfort Home Care. Since 1991, we have provided in-home care in Maryland. We are locally owned and operated, and licensed in Maryland to provide residential care. If you need a home health aide in Rockville or the surrounding areas, contact us today to learn more.
