This blog will discuss the mistakes made by people when selecting in-home care services.
As people age, for many, it is increasingly important that they stay in their current home over a nursing home for various reasons. These include the sentimental value of their own home and the independence and safety it offers because they are close to their family.
It is key to providing excellent in-home care and therapy services based on the older person’s basic health needs. Choosing the right senior care provider can be complicated.
Assuming That All In-Home Care Providers Are The Same
There is a huge gap between companies competing for business and those out to offer first-class client-based services. Administrative qualifications allow any business to receive a state license to provide care to many families.
However, while the services offered may be similar across the businesses, the quality of care provided is very dissimilar and can vary drastically from one company to another.
The home care agency you choose should have the available resources to create a care plan that is most beneficial to your loved one. They should also have the qualifications and staff to reliably meet your loved one’s needs without the need to monitor caregivers.
Not Researching Different Types Of In-Home Care
There are multiple types of home care agencies, and though they share a common goal of ensuring happiness and peace of mind for the older adults and their families, they all meet different needs.
While at times you may only require respite care for a few hours, at other times, full-time care is necessary. Maintenance can be customized based on one’s needs and may include different home care services. When deciding on the agency, primary caregiver, and home care provider, it is paramount to note the difference between a home caregiver and home health care services.
A healthcare professional can offer skilled medication management services and non-medical care. A non-medical home caregiver can only provide companionship and assistance with activities of daily living such as light housekeeping, personal maintenance, proper use of feeding tubes, and transportation services, among others.
Choosing An In-Home Care Provider Without Meeting Them First
Meeting and interviewing a home care provider is important to determine if they are a good match in terms of experience, skills, quality of care, and personality.
The meeting should occur in the home, where care will be provided to see how your senior loved one interacts with their caregiver. This offers the elderly loved one and the family members peace of mind when care officially starts.
A thorough background check should also be conducted throughout the interview process to ensure the candidate meets all the requirements.
Not Getting References From Family Members
The opinions of those who have used in-home care services should be considered when deciding whether or not a provider is good enough for your loved one. Researching reviews and lists can also provide you with information about a state survey agency, but getting direct feedback from previous clients will give more credibility than relying solely on research alone.
Friends and family will also give you honest answers on what companies you can trust and which should be avoided.
In addition, while interviewing a home care service provider, ask them to supply a list of references from clients or their family members familiar with the provider’s quality of service.
Signing A Contract Without Reading The Fine Print
Contracts outline the terms and conditions to ensure that both parties agree on the matters concerning the home care services offered. You need to sign a contract before you start receiving in-home care services. The provider is responsible for ensuring you understand the terms of the home care agreement.
Before you sign, you can ask for legal advice to ensure that all responsibilities are clear and well understood. Understanding the fine print of the agreement allows setting up a budget, negotiating fees and services, and discussing one’s concerns.
Not Asking About Medical Services Insurance And Liability Coverage
Assuming that medical insurance will pick up the tab on the home care provided is a major setback. Non-medical home care services are not insured.
Private health insurance plans cover medical home care with specific terms and conditions. The cover may be short-term or with intermittent service coverage. Consultation with the insurer is therefore necessary before a final decision is made.
Welcome To Caring for Portland
When you need help caring for your aging loved one in their own homes, trust Caring for Portland. We offer various in-home care services from personal care assistance, grocery shopping, home health care aide, skilled nursing care, wound care, medication administration, companion care, meal preparation, and home health to make life easier and more comfortable. Reach us at 503-836-3909 to book an appointment.
