When illness or injury strikes, recuperating or receiving care in the comfortable environment of home is not only preferred, but statistically shows more rapid improvement and peace of mind for those who are closest to the one needing care. When someone close to you needs help with daily activities, his or her health needs to be monitored, or therapy after an illness or injury, you’ll probably be asking yourself these questions: How do I arrange for care at home? Exactly what care is needed? How do I know who will administer the best care? How can I make a decision about who to call or what my loved one needs?

There are many choices and different  routes to take. Simply starting the task may seem overwhelming and confusing. In order to begin the exploration process, make a list of what you think your loved one will need. Does he need help getting dressed, taking a bath, fixing meals or getting to a doctor appointment? Does she require more professional level nursing services such as dispensing medication, monitoring blood pressure, or administering physical therapy? Some agencies specialize in non-medical care and some have professional (skilled) care providers. Some do both.

Once you’ve identified and listed out your loved one’s needs, the next step is to identify who in your circle of care and friends might be a good starting point. For instance, you can ask for referrals from your loved one’s physician, or a family member or friend who has had direct experience with an agency. If your loved one has been hospitalized, you could ask a social worker or nurse at the hospital. Another good place to look is a search on the Internet within  your loved one’s location with terms like “home care” or “in-home care” or “home health care.” Some agencies provide care that is reimbursed by the government, either Medicare or Medicaid. If your loved one needs someone to pay for the care, then there are requirements and perhaps even a specific referral needed from his physician. 

Once you’ve identified the type of care needed, and who is going to be paying for that care, you can narrow the search to a few agencies for consideration. Here are some important questions to ask:

Services

• Service listing. Do they offer services specific to your loved one’s listed, required needs? Is someone available to provide information on all services, eligibility requirements and funding sources? Is that information available online or can they send it to you?
• Training and supervision. What formal training programs and certifications does the agency require of its direct care providers? What level of professional supervises the care? How often and how do the supervisors oversee the caregivers on location to ensure proper care is being provided?
• Documentation and coordination. Are visits and treatments documented? Do family members have easy access? Does the agency coordinate with the patient’s physician to provide a coordinated care plan?

Direct Care Providers

• Length of visits. How often does the care provider visit, and how long does she stay during each visit? Does the agency provide care on weekends and evenings? Does the visit allow for time to talk and get to know the patient?
• Rotation of care. Is care provided consistently by the same caregiver, or is care rotated among different people? If rotated, how often? Does the family receive advance notice when a change is being made?
• Accessibility. Do the agency office staff and the direct care provider stay in regular contact? Do they keep you informed of any changes in the patient’s health or plan of care?

Fees

• Funding and billing. Are services covered by Medicare or Medicaid? Do they supply written statements detailing costs? How often is the care invoiced, if there is payment due?
• Special fees. Are there fees for special or extended services? Who is responsible for them? Are payment plans available for any out-of-pocket services? Is there someone at the agency who can assist in exploring all options to pay for care?

Finally, remember the way an agency handles scheduling, recordkeeping, monitoring, and communication also says a lot, not only about their efficiency, but their dedication to patient interaction and quality of care provided. Agencies that embrace current technology work efficiently and seamlessly, often providing the best patient care. Axxess, a supporter of home health care, designs and implements software technology for home health agencies so that the care provider in the home can focus on the patient, not the paperwork. For more information, visit www.axxess.com.