Do you have a senior relative who lives at home but requires assistance? Perhaps this person needs help with personal hygiene or other matters. Instead of considering full-time nursing care, it may be much better to contact a home care agency in your city. However, which service do you hire? Here are some helpful tips to make your decision easier.
What is a Home Care Agency?
Before you choose a home care service, it’s important to understand what they do and who they are. Home care agencies provide care from licensed medical professionals when needed. For example, the client is evaluated by a registered nurse and this person oversees all care. The client receives a care coordinator also.
On the other hand, a home care registry is a service offering in home health care providers. The registry contacts the providers on your behalf and you may not receive care supervised by a licensed RN. This is why it is very important to make sure you hire qualified health care professionals if you or your loved ones need medical care in the home.
What Kind of Services are Available?
Your home care agency should be able to take care of all your home care needs. This is the best way to ensure quality care. Plus, do not forget your future needs too. This way, you will not have to change agencies at some point. For example, you may only require companion services at present and light housekeeping. However, what if you need to go into the hospital in a couple of years? Choose a home care agency which provides a caregiver who can act as your care coordinator while you are in the hospital and recovering.
You may have special needs and might require the following services:
* Oxygen care – may also include respiratory therapy
* Diabetic care and services
* Pain management
* Rehabilitation – can include post surgery
* Physical therapy
* Skilled nursing care
* Durable equipment assistance
* Special needs care
Before you select a home care agency, be sure they provide specific services you need.
Hours and Payment
Maybe you need 24 hour or live-in care? Not all agencies offer these kinds of services. Also, check to see if you pay by the hour, day, week or month for services. In addition, find out if there are additional fees for home care agency services on holidays.
Think about it For a While
This is an important decision, so take your time. Before you make up your mind, obtain literature from several agencies and discuss the matter with family, friends, or your physician.
Business Name home care agency has been serving the DC area since 1976. If you would like to find out more on our services and things we can do for you or your loved one, visit us online now at Business URL.You Can also follow them on Twitter.
