Bringing a home care provider into your home can remove the stress of caring for an elderly or sick relative after a stay in a rehab facility or hospital. Take the time to ask questions and understand the provider’s role and what you can expect from this skilled service.
Home care provider services vary from those only working in a client’s home to those also working with assisted living facilities to supplement supportive care to help a senior stay independent for as long as possible. With so many choices now available in the market, asking the right questions can make the selection process easier.
Where can you find reputable home care providers?
If your loved one is currently in a rehab facility or hospital, seek out support staff or a social worker who can provide you with a list of recommended providers. Before your loved one is released, work with the facility on a discharge plan and make your concerns known that you need to secure help. Additionally you can seek a recommendation from your family doctor, religious institution, or local council on aging.
What services will the caregiver provide and what are restricted?
Caregivers may specialize in only certain types of services, or may not be legally allowed to perform certain services, usually medical related. Make sure you know what your loved one needs so that the provider can match you with the appropriate services. If your loved one needs memory care to manage Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia make sure the provider knows this and has appropriately trained staff.
How much does all this cost and is the pricing complicated?
Home care pricing plans can be confusing and vary depending on the length of service and type of service from basic companionship care to skilled nursing. Make sure you understand everything a provider may charge for before hiring. If you are working with any insurance, ask the provider if they can assist with the paperwork.
Are there extra charges?
Is there a charge for the initial evaluation? Are there extra fees for personal grooming services or for driving the client to an appointment? What happens if you need to cancel services for a day? Make sure you understand any and all fees before signing a contract.
Is the caregiver certified and insured?
There are two common licensing types for home caregivers, certified nursing assistants (CNA) and geriatric nursing assistant (GNA). Caregivers with certification have gone through state-licensed training, passed both a written and practical exam, and registered a required amount of experience in the medical field. A GNA certificate means the person has had additional coursework related to elder care
In many states, a home care registry or agency may be allowed to provide unregistered caregivers for companion services, meal preparation, or light housekeeping. However they cannot assist with toileting, medication, or other medical needs. Make sure you understand what your loved one needs today and prepare for the future.
How do you ensure that a caregiver is trustworthy?
Having a homecare worker means another person will be in your loved one’s home and you won’t be there to oversee them. After all, that’s the idea, to give you as a caregiver a break and allow your loved one to be independent. Having a trusting relationship is essential.
Always check the credentials of the provider. Ask if they perform statewide (not just local) background checks. If the agency or staff is not licensed by an official government body, look for another provider.
Is the caregiver trained to handle a medical emergency?
Even a caregiver hired only for companionship or household assistant may need to handle a medical emergency such as a fall or other injury.
Can you meet the care provider before he or she is hired?
A reputable agency will do its best to match a care provider to the patient. After all, this is an important relationship that requires trust. Personalities do matter.
People Come First
Comfort Home Care aides are dementia and Alzheimer’s care certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Our caregivers are trained to understand the phases of dementia, and changes in behavior. We use this information to provide the best care possible. We strive to understand a client’s health history and personal preferences, their current health and care needs, and what their future needs might be. We believe this is the best way to deliver meaningful care.
