{"id":14055,"date":"2022-08-29T08:00:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T08:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/94\/?p=14055"},"modified":"2022-09-09T19:12:09","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T19:12:09","slug":"home-care-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/94\/home-care-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Wait Until You Need Home Care to Do Your Research"},"content":{"rendered":"

Based on recent survey results<\/a>, 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<\/a> aren\u2019t available, independent seniors often turn to professional in-home caregivers.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As a concerned senior, there\u2019s 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Seek Referrals from Trusted Sources<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re like most, knowing where to find available home care providers is half the battle. Seek referrals from friends, neighbors, and relatives if you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

Investigate What Services They Offer<\/h2>\n

You may only need a little help at first performing activities of daily living<\/a> (ADLs), like light housekeeping, meals, or bathing. But if you were recently diagnosed with a serious illness or mild cognitive impairment<\/a>, it may eventually take specialized care<\/a> to maintain your independent lifestyle and quality of life.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s also a good idea to ask if the agency requires ongoing staff training and if their caregivers are certified per state requirements.<\/p>\n

Read What Others HaNve to Say<\/h2>\n

In addition to recommendations from trusted sources, you\u2019ll also need to research what others say about each agency. Online reviews from clients and their families also reveal much about an agency\u2019s reputation, along with testimonials from current and former employees.<\/p>\n

Reputable home care companies also conduct drug tests and extensive background checks on their employees, including criminal and driving records. While you\u2019re at it, check to see if the agency meets all your state\u2019s certification requirements.<\/p>\n

Find Out How Much It Will Cost<\/h2>\n

Contrary to what you might think, Medicare<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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 and how much they charge for daily and overnight visits.<\/p>\n

Screen the Caregivers Yourself<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve narrowed down your agency search to two or three candidates, you\u2019ll need to progress to the interview phase. Schedule a screening interview<\/a> with one or two of their caregivers to ensure that their personality and work ethic align with yours.<\/p>\n

During the interview, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Other questions you should ask include:<\/p>\n