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It is imperative that we ask certain questions when we are looking for home health care providers to take care of our family. Licensed and accredited agencies assume responsibility for many of the concerns raised below. Referral services place the responsibility on the family as the direct employer of the in-home worker.
Below is a list of questions to ask the agency to assist you in understanding more about the agency or service from which you may choose to hire a home care worker.
- How is the agency licensed or accredited?
- How long has the in-home health agency been in business?
- Are the employees bonded and insured?
- What kind of criminal background checks are performed for prospective employees? Are references checked? How many? Are personnel files updated annually?
- What kind of experience/certification do their aides have to have before they are hired?
- What type of training does the company provide to employees? Does training cover Alzheimer's and dementia care?
- Who pays the worker's social security or other insurance?
- What are the fees? Are there additional costs for weekends, holidays or at other times?
- What is the billing procedure? Do you pay the agency or the aide directly?
- Does the agency bill Medicare or other insurance directly for covered services.
- Does agency provide employee job descriptions, or a plan of care in writing for clients?
- Is there a minimum number of hours or days per week required by the agency?
- Does the agency offer a free home health care consultation by a registered nurse prior to start of service?
- What kind of quality control checks are made by supervisory personnel and how frequently are they made? Who is available if problems arise? Is 24-hour call-in to a registered nurse available?
- Will the same person be providing care on a regular basis?
- Is a list of agency references available for you to check the level of client satisfaction? (Be sure to check these out!)
- Can you interview the employee? Is there a fee for this?
- Does the aide have reliable transportation?
- If you need specialized medical care, are employees licensed to perform it?
Adapted from the Missouri Council of Senior Citizens Senior Action Alert.
In the National Capital Area chapter service territory, for more information about
What to Look for When Choosing a Home Care Agency, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at 703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900. Outside the National Capital Area, please contact your local Chapter.
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© 1997 - 2005 Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area. All rights reserved.
703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900
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