Choosing a home care service provider can be an overwhelming process, and there are often many options to choose from. “The goal of home care is to keep individuals thriving in the comfort of their own home with the support necessary to remain independent while honoring their dignity,” Kathleen Noll, Masonic Village Home Care manager, said.
Here are the 10 most important things to look for in a home care service:
- Proper qualifications. Licensure through the Department of Health and other governing organizations are important to ensure quality care compared to non-certified providers. Staff should have standard competencies that their employer sets and maintains to ensure all caregivers are qualified.
- Detailed outline of services. A written care plan should be made before services begin and include a client bill of rights. Notifications should be made between the caregiver and the client regarding the exact start date and time when the caregiver will arrive to the client’s home and what services they will provide.
- Explanation of fees and costs. Detailed information should be given about hourly rates and transportation costs through in-person meetings, brochures and/or rate sheets.
- Quality care. Caregivers should be trained to uphold the organization’s standards of care and respect for all clients. The organization should foster a good environment for caregivers to help make them feel appreciated, which allows them to provide the best quality of care to their clients.
- Insurance and private-pay support. Most non-medical home care services are private-pay and not covered by Medicare or insurance. However, certain long-term health insurance plans might reimburse clients for home care services. As a courtesy, Masonic Village Home Care works with those insurance companies, free of charge, sending documentation and reimbursement requests on behalf of the client.
- A record of good care. Organizations with a good reputation based on patients’ and families’ accounts may be preferred by some patients. Masonic Village Home Care has been serving the greater Elizabethtown area since 2017.
- Incorporated planning. At the discretion of the client, caregiver and family, the client’s primary care provider can be included in the care plans prepared by the home care agency. Because home care is non-medical, it is up to the client who is included in discussions relating to their desired services. When looking for a home care provider, ensure this is the case.
- A perfect match. Ensure the home care provider considers the likes and dislikes of a client when preparing care plans and schedules. Caregivers and/or family members may be able to help provide an outside perspective on how their loved one can best be served.
- Diversity of care. Having an organization that provides for multiple needs throughout a client’s healthcare journey can give a greater peace of mind. Masonic Village offers continued care services such as rehabilitation, pharmacy, personal care, nursing care, home health and hospice to meet each individual’s needs.
- Accountability. It’s important for an organization to have staff who can serve as advocates for their clients – listening to and resolving issues with care, as needed.
If you still have questions about what is covered by home care services or how to decide if they’re right for you, contact Masonic Village Home Care staff today.