An Inside look at In-Home Care
By Melissa Ackison
 “In-Home Care” has become an increasingly popular and affordable choice for individuals requiring short and long term medical care and daily assistance. While the public tends to associate In-Home Care with aging seniors wishing to remain independently in their preferred environment, In-Home Care and services are evolving to a much wider client base to accommodate shortened hospital stays, general hospitalization discharges after surgical procedures or individuals suffering with illnesses or physical impairments that simply require an Assisting Hand with activities of daily living.
Based on the industry’s significant growth in recent years, it’s important for consumers to know what types of questions to ask of a potential service provider. As with all perspective business dealings, asking the right questions upfront can ensure your expectations are met and the relationship is a successful one for years to come!
Ability to Provide Services
What services does the agency provide?
Does the agency service the area in which you live?
Can the agency provide all the services you need?
Will the agency provide a written description of services to be provided?
Ask the agency if they will develop a personalized care plan designed to meet your individual needs and requirements as determined by your doctor, your family caregivers, the home care agency and you? How often will this plan be revised and updated?
Are services available 24 hours, 7 days a week?
Would services begin immediately? If not, how long is the wait?
Can the agency make arrangements for the delivery and maintenance and training of all necessary medical equipment?
Costs
What are the total costs of the services you require? Ask for a price sheet.
Are you required to use the services for a minimum number of hours per day or per week?
Are there deposits, fees, or any extra costs besides those charged for each service?
How much of the cost will be covered long term insurance coverage and how much will you have to pay out-of-pocket?
Are all cost and payment expectations in writing? (Be careful for contracts)
How often does the agency bill?
Agency Staff & Training
Does the agency require and verify employee references and how comprehensive are the background check procedures?
Ask the organization if they hire clinical level employees with credentials versus, homemakers.
Do the employees receive special training related to caring for home health patients? Is the training ongoing?
Is the organization, licensed, bonded, insured and accredited?
Although the rates are fairly competitive through home health care organizations, operating practices and due diligence of company procedure’s vary from company to company and it’s extremely important to know the facts. At the end of the day, this is a business and relationship built on trust and checks and balances for complete peace of mind. Always remember, it has to feel right to move forward with in-home care!
About the Author
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| Melissa Ackison, Integrated Home Health and Staffing Services
545 Metro Place South Suite 100
Dublin, OH 43017
614-454-6464
Contact Author: request info
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