How to Pick a Home Health Agency

Home healthcare agencies help individuals get better, learn to take care of themselves and possibly regain their independence. They offer a wide variety of services including but not limited to physical, social, occupational or speech therapy. Nurse and healthcare professionals work with you to ensure that you receive the care your doctor prescribed. As hospital stays are decreasing, home healthcare is increasing, requiring patients to receive safe and efficient care in the comfort of their own home.

Instructions

• 1

  Look in the phone book under Home Health Services.

• 2

  Research on the Internet at the U.S. government's site for Medicare, and click on "Home Health Compare" to compare home healthcare agencies in your area.

• 3

  Create a list of questions to ask each agency. Knowing that the agency has met certain criteria is paramount to receiving good care. Examples: Are you approved by Medicare? Do you have a patients I can interview? Are your employees bonded? What type of home healthcare do you provide? What types of insurance does your company accept? How long has your company been in business?

• 4

  Contact the agencies you are interested in having provide home healthcare to you.

• 5

  Ask family, friends and your doctor if they have recommendations for home healthcare agencies.

• 6

  Confirm that the agency accepts your medical insurance.