4 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Home Care Agency

Choosing the right home care provider for your family is not a decision that should be made overnight. To know that your loved one is receiving the best care possible, you should research the home care companies around your area to see which one is the best fit for your situation. If you’re considering hiring an in-home caregiver, here are 4 things you should check to ensure your family will receive the care that meets their needs.

1. Does the home care provider have the services you need?

When selecting a home care agency, you need to know what services you are seeking now and possibly in the future. In New York State, there are two types of organizations that can provide in-home care services: Certified Home Health Agencies and Licensed Home Care Services Agencies.

Certified Home Health Agencies

For those who need medical services and rehabilitation, Certified Home Health Agencies are Medicare-certified agencies that can provide skilled health care services. Registered nurses on staff that can provide medical services such as, wound care, dietary assistance, and intravenous treatments. Trained therapists can also provide physical, occupational, or speech therapy to meet your loved one’s needs and improve their quality of life.

Licensed Home Care Services Agencies

Often, non-medical care services are the most frequently requested from home care providers. Licensed caregivers can assist with daily activities and provide companionship. Caregivers can also provide services to help with hygiene, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one needs help with housekeeping, driving to appointments, or meal preparation, a Licensed Home Care Services Agency might be a great option for your family.

Westchester Family Care offers Licensed Home Care Services. If you are looking for a caregiver who can provide a helping hand around the house, light housekeeping, and assistance with daily activities, we can help your loved one enhance the quality of their life. If you family requires more medical services, we can partner with a Certified Home Health Agency in order to provide your loved one with the health care services they need.

2. Is the home care provider reputable?

When choosing an in-home care provider, you should make sure that they are accredited and licensed or certified to provide care. In fact, this should be one of the first questions you ask potential home care companies. It’s a big red flag if an agency is not transparent about their credentials or doesn't have them.

Remember, each state had its own legal requirements for home care agencies, so it’s a good idea to visit your state’s Department of Health website to find out what requirements are needed for your state. If the home care provider is Medicare-certified, the caregivers they have on staff will need, and should already meet, professional licensure requirements.

3. How does the agency hire and train caregivers?

A reputable agency will be transparent about their hiring process and the training their caregivers receive. To be a home health provider, agencies have to background check their caregivers. It’s important to ask how the agency screens their employees to ensure your loved one’s safety.

As a Licensed Home Care Service, Westchester Family Care has licensed caregivers on staff who are ready to assist your loved one in the comfort of their home. We train our caregivers and offer programs to continue their education. This allows our caregivers to stay up-to-date on the best care practices for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and those requiring hospice services.

4. How are the services priced and paid for?

The perceived cost of home care can cause people to delay seeking the help they need until their health declines. Instead of waiting, contact potential home care providers about your payment plan options now. Depending on what agency you choose, you have different payment options available.

Certified Home Health Agencies accept Medicare, while Licensed Home Care Agencies might accept Medicare under some circumstance. Generally, services provided by a Licensed Home Care Services Agency can be paid for privately or, depending on the policy, are covered by Long-Term Care Insurance. As a Licensed Home Care Agency, Westchester Family Care will work with you to explore all sources of payment to help you minimize your payment responsibility to get the in-home care services your family needs.

If you are looking for reliable home care services to assist your family, Westchester Family Care can help. We will walk you through our services and help create a care plan for your loved one that meets their medical and financial needs. If you’d like to learn how our family can assist your family, contact us today.