If you or a loved one is an elderly person who needs monitoring and assistance, then you may be seeking an in-home care provider. Choosing an in-home care provider means asking the right questions while doing your research. The right provider isn't just a matter of cost, but also of personality, experience and more. Each caregiver who comes into a person's home has the potential to do a tremendous amount of good or harm. In-home caregiving is a great alternative when the services of a fully staffed nursing home aren't required. Keep these factors in mind as you research the best providers of in-home caregiving services.
Three of the nation's best in-home care providers are Bright Star Care, Visiting Angels and Right at Home. These companies provide caregiver services in many states, and they care for seniors, people with disabilities, special needs children and more.
Learn about the history and organizational structure of each company you look into. Understanding how long the company has been in business and what they require from the workers can be of help. Also, look for online reviews, cost figures and any other information from other clients.
All workers should have some type of screening and testing process before starting, but the healthcare world changes quickly. The more a person is prepared for the latest changes in both technology and testing, the better they'll be able to answer questions and suggest better care options for those who need it.
Hiring a private nurse is typically easy because a person can do research on them (including referrals) before giving them the job. If a person is just starting out though they'll typically go through an agency. An agency that cares about their reputation and about their clients will send people to supervise care in surprise visits for quality assurance.
Personality fits are almost as important as experience. Without the right personality, the patient may feel uncomfortable or agitated. This can lead to resentment and a decreased quality of life, and one of the biggest benefits of in-home care is supposed to be peace of mind.
Anyone who works with the patient should be in constant connection with all others who work with the patient. The more communication there is, the better off a person will be. A lack of effective communication is a major reason why medical mistakes are made.
Care should be ongoing with as few changes as possible. Always beware of a high turnover rate. Whether through an agency or a private provider, those who need help need consistent care from the same person. This way, a routine can be established and everyone can be on the same page when it comes to changes.
In-home care is expensive -- no way around that -- but some providers charge more than others. Always get information and compare rates of different caregiving providers. Also, you or your loved one may be eligible for Medicare coverage based on why the caregiver is needed.