Choosing a home health care provider is like choosing any other service – you need to do your research and take your time to find the one that best suits you and your needs.
“Home health care is expected to grow exponentially in coming years as more Americans choose to age in place for reasons of convenience and affordability,” said Shelley Polansky, vice president of communications for Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming. As a result, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the home health care sector will add 1.3 million jobs through 2020.
Because you don’t want to let just anyone into your home to care for you or your loved ones, it’s important to do your due diligence. Start by checking potential providers’ BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org, where you can learn how long each has been in business and whether or not there has been a history of complaints.
When you meet with prospective providers, your BBB and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice suggest asking:
• Does this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees and funding sources? Many providers furnish patients with a detailed “Patient Bill of Rights” that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers alike. An annual report and other educational materials also can provide helpful information about the provider.
• How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages and malpractice insurance?
• Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Do they consult the patient’s physicians and family members?
• Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?
• Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and do the caregivers update it as changes occur? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient?
• Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the patient and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?
• Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?
• How will the provider handle emergencies?
• How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?
For more consumer tips and information, visit bbb.org.