Home Health Care

When you are dealing with a home health care or home care agency, it is very important that you ask the right questions so that you can accurately determine whether or not they are the right company for you and your home health care needs.

1. How many years has the agency been in business?

2. Does the agency require criminal record background checks, child abuse background checks and communicable disease screens for its employees?

3. Is the agency a state-licensed home health agency?

4. Is there a written plan of care that the consumer, the family and family doctor participate in developing?

5. Is all care provided documented, defining the specific tasks to be carried out by the agency employee?

6. What are the agency's fees for a nurse, aide or companion?

7. Will the agency keep the family updated on the consumer's progress?

8. Does the agency furnish written statements explaining all costs?

9. Will the nurse, aide or companion always be the same person?

10. What happens if the scheduled employee calls off?

11. Are employees available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays?

12. Can the agency provide a list of references?

13. How do I communicate with the nurses, aides, companions, and/or agency after normal business hours?

14. What are some of the things that I can do to help my loved one deal with the adjustment of being cared for at home or having a home health care agency, companion, or aid help with their care.