Tag: Home Care

It’s difficult to think of all the important questions to ask when choosing a care provider, but below are some guidelines that may help you assess the best fit for your family.

 –If I call on a weekend or after hours, can someone meet with me same day to set up services, or will I be directed to meet with someone the following business day? Sometimes, a loved one may have a fast decline, and the family needs help.

-Do you have someone who works in daily operations available 24/7? Many companies offer services 24/7, but if an issue arises after hours, do they have someone knowledgeable who you have already met, that can effectively handle your concerns? Do they use an answering service, or have on-call supervisors that don’t typically work in day-to-day operations for on call?

-What is the background of your company? Does the owner have experience in the business? Why did they start the company? Do they have a personal story, and/or a mission statement? Search out the history and ownership of the company. What type of license do they have? Find out who owns the company and weigh how the ownership affects the company’s service and reliability.? Is it reputable and in good standing? Is it involved in professional organizations?

-What qualifications, certifications, experience and training do you require of your workers? Find out if caregivers’ credentials are investigated. Plus, determine whether caregivers undergo a thorough, professional testing and screening process. Ask what ongoing training is provided.

-Are your staff employees or contract workers? Are they insured and bonded? Ask about your personal liability and tax obligations if workers are contract employees. For your protection, ensure that all caregivers are insured and bonded by the home care agency.

-How do you supervise your workers to make sure the proper care is given? Some agencies make scheduled quality assurance calls and visits. To further ensure quality care, see that all caregivers are regularly and closely supervised by a qualified company representative.

-Will the same employee continue with my case? It is difficult to receive good care if different people show up every week. A good home care provider will be concerned with continuity of care.

-Do you conduct a home visit before starting the home care service? When choosing the home care services that are right for you, it is important that the patient and family members discuss the kind of care needed with a home care representative. This will help you determine whether the home care provider can meet your needs.

-Do you work with my other care providers to coordinate a plan of care? If you have multiple disciplines involved in yours or your loved ones care, it’s only fair to you that each discipline coordinates with each other to provide the best care possible. Agencies should work directly with your other care team members in arranging and planning for your care.

-Do you guarantee customer satisfaction? Find out if there is a length of time you will be committed to the home care provider even if you are unhappy with the care they are providing. The home care provider should guarantee care and cancel charges for unsatisfactory service.

Making the decision to hire an in-home caregiver is usually less expensive than relocating a loved one to a long-term care facility, nursing home or paying for a prolonged hospital stay—and let’s face it, it’s much nicer to stay in your own home. Here are some of the great perks of having your own professional in-home caregiver:

FLEXIBILITY

Perhaps one of the most well-known benefits of having a caregiver is that family members do not have to adhere to a strict care-giving schedule. The caregiver can enter into the home and handle responsibilities such as personal care, medication reminders and meal preparation, transportation, errands, etc.

AN IMPROVED RELATIONSHIP

By hiring a professional caregiver, family members can improve their relationships with their loved one. Depending on the needs of the client, the caregiver may be there for several hours a day, or may live in. Either way, family members will be able to experience more quality time with their loved one instead spending that time providing care.

Dependability

By choosing a Professional Care-giving Company, family members and clients have the benefit of knowing there is always back up available. Whether it’s a short notice shift they need coverage for, or the usual caregiver is just unavailable that day, having a care-giving company takes the worry out of scheduling, so that the family and their loved one  know they will always have coverage.

REDUCED INFECTION RISK

By allowing your loved one to receive care in the home, they will not be exposed to as many bacteria and viruses that can make them sick, as they may be if staying in a facility with other residents. They also may be able to recover from surgery or illness faster, as they will be happier and healthier by staying at home.

PEACE OF MIND

Family members can have the peace of mind knowing that someone who is licensed, insured, and carefully screened is taking care of your loved one. These professionals undergo training and screenings to ensure that patients receive the best in care. Professional caregivers will also be able to respond to any emergencies if they arise.

RANGE OF SERVICES

As previously stated, these caregivers do not only provide personal care services, they also provide other services such as companionship, errand service, light housekeeping and meal preparation, and transportation. These are great benefits for a family member who may be the main caregiver.

There are many benefits to having a caregiver for both you and your loved one. These benefits offer practical solutions for quality and compassionate in-home care.

Grace Givers Home Care offers the best in In-Home Care in the Upper Cumberland. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation! 931-337-0890