Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 25 September 2020

Caring for a loved one can add stress to any family. The time you could be enjoying their company is spent with the burden of handling their medical care. Hiring a home health care agency can alleviate that burden and gives you back your quality of life with those you love.

In this article, you'll discover a few key aspects to ask about before hiring home healthcare services for your loved one.

1. Provided Services

There are as many specializations as there are home healthcare agencies. Choose one that can accommodate your unique needs. For example, you may want a home aid that speaks your primary language. Also, your loved one may have specific health issues that need special training to care for, such as COPD, fall risks, or dementia. Your primary care doctor will develop a treatment plan that may involve physical therapy. You want to be sure that the agency can develop a care plan and send the right staff to continue the prescribed treatment. 

2. Licensing, Certification, and Fees

In order for a home health care agency to provide Medicare or Medicaid, they must be certified by state and federal governing bodies. These programs can drastically reduce the cost of care for qualifying individuals. License requirements vary by state and must be renewed on a regular basis. Check with your local governing body to validate the agency's certifications.

Every agency provides information about the rights of the patient detailing the fees, procedures, and costs associated with their organization. It also details the services they provide. You'll want to read this thoroughly to get an in-depth look at the organization. In the event of an emergency, it highlights the provider's and patients' responsibilities. 

3. Reputation

Reputation questions are questions to ask others about your prospective provider. For example, if there is an outside entity that performs inspections, find out if they publish their findings for the public. This can provide insight into how the agency handles issues within their organization. You also want to check reviews of the agency and ask past clients about their experiences. 

Hiring home healthcare services for your loved one can be a process of trial and error. It's worth it to vet each agency to ensure the health and happiness of those you cherish. The agency you choose should have provable experience with your unique needs and be certified to function within your state.