At some point, most seniors need in-home assistance, and family members often take on this task. However, some families may not be able to care for their aging loved ones, or they may require additional help. Before hiring a home care agency to care for your senior loved one, there are many factors to consider.
1. Is Your Agency Licensed by the State?
Reputable agencies take extra steps to get certified or licensed by their states. To acquire and maintain their credentials, home care companies must adhere to the community, state, and federal guidelines for caregiving and operating the businesses. Home care companies should also routinely undergo evaluation by their states to ensure the ongoing quality of service.One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care.Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
2. What Are the Qualifications of Your Employees?
To ensure the wellbeing of clients, home care agencies typically require background checks and drug tests of potential employees. Agencies should have trained, certified, and licensed employees capable of handling in-home care services ranging from light housework and meal preparation to medication reminders and assistance with exercise.
3. Does My Family Have a Say in the Care My Loved One Receives?
During initial interviews with clients and families, agencies generally create care plans based on the types of care clients will require. Agencies should take family desires and opinions into consideration.
4. What if My Loved One’s Condition Changes?
While seniors may need minimal assistance in the beginning, progressive medical conditions may warrant more extensive help in the future. The right agency should be able to provide a caregiver who specializes in the type of care your loved one needs. Professional caregivers should also report negative or positive changes when they occur so care plans and services can be adjusted as needed.Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Des Moines seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
5. How Many People Will Be Responsible for Providing Care for My Loved One?
It’s important to know if an agency assigns one, two, or more caregivers to each client. Seniors often feel more comfortable seeing the same people on a regular basis, and this is especially true if they require care related to grooming, bathing, and personal hygiene. In the event a routine caregiver should become ill or have a personal emergency, the agency should have a backup plan to ensure continuity of care. If your loved one doesn’t approve of a caregiver, the agency should be able to assign a replacement.
6. Are Your Employees Trained to Handle Emergencies?
Families feel more secure knowing caregivers are qualified to handle situations such as natural disasters and medical emergencies. Certified and licensed personnel must have first aid and CPR training.
7. What Methods of Payment Do You Accept?
Make sure the agency has Medicaid approval if your loved one’s home care is covered by this assistance program. If your parent has private insurance coverage, check with the insurance company to see if his or her policy covers home care and if there are any requirements regarding the selection of home care agencies. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated in-home care, Des Moines, IA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our customized care plans.
