Things to Consider with Home Care

Not all home health care situations are the same. When selecting a home care professional or agency, there are several things you want to consider to ensure that you get the health care provided to you that you can both afford and that suits your overall health care needs.

Referrals

• Consider the referrals provided to you by the home care agency from past clients. Request a list of referrals from clients (old and new), and physicians and local hospitals to ensure that the home care agency or individual you are considering is well-established in your community and has a solid history of providing quality health care.

Licensing and Screening

• Make sure the home care individual or agency that you select has the proper licenses to operate in your city and state, is bonded and is insured to operate. You may want to only consider agencies that pre-screen their employees and conduct extensive background checks for criminal history and work history, as well to verify that the health care attendant that comes to your home is one you can trust with your belongings and your health.

Services Included

• Not every home care agency is created the same. Consider the services that you need in order to be cared for, such as bathing assistance, administering medications or meal preparations. After you have compiled a list of services you need, contact home care agencies or individuals to ensure that those services are included or what additional costs you may incur to get those services.

Service Hours

• Some home care services are not available 24 hours a day. Consider your home care needs and whether or not you need 24-hour support throughout the year. If you require support year-round for 24 hours per day, contact agencies that have staff members and services offered to suit your needs.

Payment

• Home care services each handle payments different than others. Some home care centers are able to bill your health insurance directly as well as accept Medicare or Medicaid. There are some services, however, that only accept cash, check or credit card payments and it is your responsibility to request reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

Satisfaction Plans

• When signing a contract with a home care agency, you may want to consider any satisfaction plans they offer. These can include a guarantee that if you are not satisfied with your first home care attendant, you will be provided another one immediately and without extended periods of time in between. You may also want to consider home care agencies that offer refunds in the event you are not satisfied with your care and wish to hire another service.