7 Questions to Ask a Home Healthcare Agency

Are you searching for a home healthcare provider for your loved one or for yourself? An online search will reveal many healthcare agencies in any specific area. You will have various options to choose from. However, not all home healthcare agencies are created equal. You will not only need to find a good home healthcare agency but also one that meets your needs or the needs of your loved one. This means conducting some research. Below are a few questions to ask home care providers as you search for the best agency to fit your needs and that of your loved one.

1. Is the Home Care Agency Licensed?

This is one of the most important questions to ask home health care providers while conducting your research. Home care agencies must adhere to specific requirements in order to obtain licensing. These requirements may include hiring qualified staff, paying an annual fee and ensuring continual training of staff. Hiring an agency that is licensed is a great way to know that the agency has met these requirements.

2. Are the caregivers evaluated and supervised by a registered nurse?

Home caregivers aren’t always registered nurses. It is therefore important to ensure that you or your loved one will receive the required care while at home. These caregivers should be under the supervision of a clinical professional such as a registered nurse. The nurse will work to ensure that the person under care will receive the required care.

3. Do you perform criminal background checks?

You will want to make sure that you or your loved one will be in safe hands with the caregiver. It is therefore important check whether the agency performs vets their caregivers thoroughly. This vetting should include a criminal background check.

4. Does your registered nurse meet with the family to develop a plan of care?

Different patients and their families have different needs. You should choose a home healthcare agency Woodinville that can provide you with care services that meet the specific needs and requirements of you and your loved ones. They should have their registered nurse meet with you and your family to develop a plan for care that meets your requirements. This ensures that you and your caregivers are on the same page right from the beginning.

5. Can I request a replacement for my caregiver if I am dissatisfied?

You don’t want to get stuck with a caregiver that you are not happy with. A good home health care company Woodinville will give you the option to have a replacement if you are not happy with your current caregiver for any reason. It is important to inquire from the agency whether this option is available prior to signing anything.

6. Will the caregiver keep a daily log of services performed?

Documentation of the care provided is important for the family to review and be aware of the patient’s status. It is also vital for treatment and ensuring quality of care. Ask whether the caregiver will be required to maintain an updated log of meals, medication, activities and other aspects of the patient’s day to day life.

7. Do you offer 24-hour care?

Not all patients require 24-hour or overnight care. Thus not all agencies offer this kind of care. If you or your loved one will require 24/7 care and supervision be sure to select an agency that can meet this need.

Do you have questions about home healthcare services? Contact Companion Care. We would be glad to answer your questions and discuss your needs with you.