The signs are there that it’s time for your loved one to start receiving care from an in-home caregiver – missed medications, an unkempt appearance, loneliness. But, how do you know which home care agency to choose? You can do online searches, ask your doctor, or check with your friends – it can take a little time. Once you’ve narrowed your search down, it will be time for you to have an in-depth visit with the agency about their policies and procedures, their rates, and, most importantly, their caregivers. Here are seven questions to ask a home care agency you interview:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Home care licensing requirements vary by state (permits and home health care licenses are required in Massachusetts). A reputable agency won’t have a problem sharing their licensing, bonding, and insurance information with you.
Do your caregivers undergo a full criminal background and reference check?
Your caregiver is going to be entrusted with the health and well-being of your loved one and will be spending countless hours in their home with them. Background checks ensure potential caregivers don’t have a history of neglect, abuse, fraud, or other criminal convictions. The agency you select should check their caregivers’ criminal record, employment history, and references.
What type of initial and ongoing training is provided to caregivers?
Check that the agency trains their caregivers when they hire them and provides ongoing training and certification. Caregivers should be trained in first aid and CPR and trained specifically to provide in-home care, allowing them to identify and escalate concerns they may have about their clients.
What happens if the caregiver you provide isn’t a good fit?
Finding the right match between your loved one and caregiver may take more than one try. Check that the agency’s caregiver roster is large enough to accommodate your needs should you request a replacement.
What happens if our caregiver is sick?
Everyone gets sick, including caregivers. The agency you select should have procedures to provide a replacement caregiver should your regular caregiver become ill, minimizing interruptions to your loved one’s care and disruptions to your family member’s schedules.
What if I have a need or concern after-hours?
Different home care agencies handle their client’s after-hours needs differently. Some use an answering or messaging system, while others will connect you directly to a staff member. Be sure that the agency you choose has a history of responding promptly to after-hours requests from clients and that their method of responding works for you.
What if my loved one’s needs change over time?
Aging is a process, and your agency should provide a complete menu of services that meets the needs of their clients. For example, though your loved one may initially need only companion care, at some point, they may need help with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming. Your agency should be able to meet the changing needs of your loved one.
Assisting Hands Home Care serving Boston Northwest is a nationally recognized, award-winning home care agency. We’re confident that you’ll find us to be the perfect fit to provide compassionate care that meets all of your loved one’s needs. If you are seeking care for yourself or a loved one living in Bedford, Winchester, or Concord Massachusetts, or throughout the Northwest Boston area, call us today at (781) 797-3299 and schedule your free in-home consultation
We’ll be happy to answer the seven questions listed above and any others you and your family may have.
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