Choosing the right home care service
Choosing the right home care service
1. Make an appointment with the agency to visit their office and meet their management. If you don’t have a specific agency in mind, several local agencies are listed under "Nurses" in the Yellow Pages.
2. Inquire about the type of cases they are handling and what level of care is being provided — skilled or unskilled.
3. Insist on an explanation of all charges that might be incurred. For example: Is the hourly rate on evening, night, and weekend shifts different from weekday rates? Do the rates change on holidays? If so, which ones?
4. How do they assure that all of your particular needs are met?
5. Does a registered nurse provide case management? If so, ask: How often does that manager actually come to my home? Is nursing staff orientation provided prior to the start of the case? When will I meet my nursing staff?
6. Is a registered nurse on call for emergency needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
7. What skill level would be involved, and how do they make that determination? Do they provide all levels of care to meet your current and future needs?
8. How do they interface with the physician or specialist in charge?
9. What kind of daily documentation do they provide?
10. How much management involvement is there?
Are case management meetings scheduled as needed? Who attends? May the family be present?
11. Is continuity of care a priority? If I’m satisfied, will the original staff remain with me throughout my care?
12. What is the staff retention level?
13. What is their specialty, if they have one?
14. Ask for references from physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, local Visiting Nurse Associations, and actual patients. Be sure to check them out.
15. Request verification that the agency provides adequate insurance for their employees, protecting you from all liabilities. This should include worker’s compensation, malpractice, general liability, auto insurance, and current professional license.
Before you make a final decision on the agency you wish to contract for services, be sure to conduct a thorough investigation to assure that all your particular needs can be met.
Source: Professional Nursing Services, Valley Forge, PA.
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