Five Questions You Should Ask A Non-Medical Home Care Provider
When a loved one needs help, whether it be housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation or other assistance, non-medical home care is a good option. Choosing the right home care agency is not to be taken lightly, however, since the safety, health and well-being of your relative is of paramount importance. To ensure that you are making the decision that will benefit your loved one the most, you need to have some key information. Here are some questions you should ask a prospective home care provider to help make the decision-making process a little easier.
What services are provided?
Non-medical home care is generally defined as light housekeeping, cooking, personal care assistance and companionship. These visits may last for as little as an hour once a day to several hours a few days a week, depending on the senior’s needs. In some cases, caregivers may also provide transportation to and from doctors appointments, barber shop and beauty salon visits, or shopping. Other times, they may run errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy on their own. Ask for a detailed description of the exact services offered and compare agencies to find the right fit.
What do your services cost?
While money should certainly not be the first criteria when you’re looking for a caregiver for your loved one, it is important. Keep in mind that home care agencies offer pricing structures based not only on the amount of time required, but also the amount of work. In other words, the more they do, the more they charge. Request a price list for services, payment schedule requirements, and types of payments accepted. It’s also wise to check with the health insurance provider and the agency as this type of service may be covered.
Can references be provided?
Ask for a list of families, individuals and professionals that have experience with the agency. Contact the references and ask about the quality of the services received. Be diligent and check several, if not all, of the references provided. Ask questions about every aspect of the care, employees, fees and management. You’ll get a good idea of the reputation of the company and the satisfaction of the clients it serves. Another excellent way to learn about an agency is to look for reviews online. Just type in the name of the agency and the word “review” after and you’ll find valuable input from other clients.
Are employees screened and bonded/insured?
Background checks for criminal records, substance abuse issues and professional experience are essential for caregivers. The last thing that you want is for someone with a less than stellar background in your family home, spending time with your elderly relative. It’s also important that they are bonded and/or insured, either individually, or through the company they work for. This helps to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions while they are providing care. You can never be too careful, the safety and well-being of your loved one, as well as their home and personal possessions, are at stake.
How many caregivers will provide services?
Ask whether a single individual, or several will be assigned to your loved one’s care. Elderly individuals generally prefer a single caregiver, rather than encountering a new person each time. Their home is a safe haven, and allowing strangers in can be very difficult. This is especially true for those with cognitive and memory issues. For others, meeting new people and can be a refreshing change that provides interaction that they would not otherwise get. A quality service will help determine which approach will be most appropriate for your loved one.
Choosing the right home care provider for your loved one is vitally important. You want the best for them, and the caregivers that you choose should as well. Don’t rush into such an important decision without first doing your due diligence. Research the agencies and caregivers you find, get references, and ask questions until you are satisfied that you’ve found the right fit. Once you’ve chosen and they begin to interact with you and your family member, continue that dialogue and you’ll build a solid relationship that benefits everyone.