Things to Consider When Seeking Home Health Care


things-to-consider-when-hiring-home-health-care

There are many aspects of home health care that families overlook when choosing a care plan for their loved one, like the care schedule needed for a home health care provider, or the specific needs of the senior involved.

Encompass has seen this time and again firsthand. We once had a family who needed coverage early in the morning–from 6:15-10:30 a.m.–but no other home care company would touch them because it is hard to find workers that want those hours. Other home care companies asked the family to change their hours or be more flexible with the times, a difficult solution for someone on a fixed schedule. Encompass was able to find a home health care worker to fill the early shift because we understand that, in reality, it isn’t always an option for a family to change their schedules on the drop of dime–especially when careers and other obligations may be affected.

So how should a family go about choosing a home health care provider?

First off, as we mentioned in a previous post, families should decide whether they’d like to hire an independent home care provider or go through an agency. Experts and industry veterans alike say that going through an agency is your best bet to finding that perfect caregiver or caregiving team. Using an agency also protects families from any liabilities, since agencies are responsible for payroll taxes, worker’s compensation and the conduct of their employees. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind.

Next, because there are so many options available when choosing an agency, the Home Care Association of America recommends asking the following questions:

  • How do you recruit your caregivers?
  • Should a scheduling conflict occur, are there trained back-up caregivers?
  • Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
  • Are the caregivers employees of the provider? Who handles payroll and required taxes for the caregiver?
  • What type of background checks and screening does the caregiving agency do?

It’s also important to consider other factors. For example, the way a certain family member performs a task may not be exactly how a home health care worker carries out that task. It’s important to have realistic expectations, but also critical to ask the caregiving agency’s policy is in the event of unsatisfactory service. Making sure everything is covered before hiring a caregiver or using a caregiving agency is absoultely essential.

In the end, we believe that families should should stick to their plan no matter what. Rather than bending needs to fit a caregiver, families should seek out a caregiver or company that will work with them, which is exactly what Physicians Choice Private Duty strives to do.

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here . Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

Photo credit: joshuajamesb via photopin cc

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit http://www.encompass-home-health-care.com.”