Based on recent survey results, most Americans aged 50+ want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Sadly, most older adults eventually need assistance to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as personal hygiene, eating, and toileting. When informal caregivers aren’t available, independent seniors often turn to professional in-home caregivers.
As a concerned senior, there’s no time like the present to explore your home care options. Using this handy guide as a reference will help ensure that you choose the best provider long before that inevitable day arrives.
Seek Referrals from Trusted Sources
If you’re like most, knowing where to find available home care providers is half the battle. Seek referrals from friends, neighbors, and relatives if you’ve never used an agency before. If you are tech-savvy, a quick Google search can pull up the names of home care companies in your community.
Investigate What Services They Offer
You may only need a little help at first performing activities of daily living (ADLs), like light housekeeping, meals, or bathing. But if you were recently diagnosed with a serious illness or mild cognitive impairment, it may eventually take specialized care to maintain your independent lifestyle and quality of life.
Look for a provider that offers a complete menu of in-home services, including dementia care, post-surgical care, transportation, hospice, and other options. It’s also a good idea to ask if the agency requires ongoing staff training and if their caregivers are certified per state requirements.
Read What Others Have to Say
In addition to recommendations from trusted sources, you’ll also need to research what others say about each agency. Online reviews from clients and their families also reveal much about an agency’s reputation, along with testimonials from current and former employees.
Reputable home care companies also conduct drug tests and extensive background checks on their employees, including criminal and driving records. While you’re at it, check to see if the agency meets all your state’s certification requirements.
Find Out How Much It Will Cost
Contrary to what you might think, Medicare does not cover elective home care services like personal care or homemaker services. While your choice of an in-home care provider should not exclusively hinge on price, it will inevitably play a role. First, determine how much you can afford based on your monthly budget.
In most cases, the cost of care relies on the number of hours the caregiver spends with you and the type of services they provide. Before making your choice, research each company’s hourly rates, as well as how much they charge for daily and overnight visits.
Screen the Caregivers Yourself
Once you’ve narrowed down your agency search to two or three candidates, you’ll need to progress to the interview phase. Schedule a screening interview with one or two of their caregivers to ensure that their personality and work ethic align with yours.
During the interview, don’t be afraid to ask the supervisor for references from previous clients, along with proof of insurance and other certifications. This is also the perfect time to discuss your individualized care plan and how the agency would meet your future needs as they change.
Other questions you should ask include:
- What’s your backup plan in the event of an emergency or illness?
- Will the primary caregiver be providing most of the care?
- How will you be communicating with my family?
- How do you measure the competency and performance of your caregivers?
- How do you determine if a caregiver is a good fit for a senior?
- Do you conduct periodic drug tests on your employees?
- Is a registered nurse (RN) or equivalent case manager available 24/7?
Quality Home Care You Can Trust
Finding the right home care provider for you or aging loved ones can be a daunting task. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our professional in-home senior care services allow clients in the Bedford, MA, area to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. Our trained, dependable caregivers and personal assistants can help your family overcome its eldercare challenges while making your loved one’s home an even better place to be.
Our turnkey homecare services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation, to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, our customized in-home care solutions have got your family covered. To learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Northwest Boston, click here now.
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