At some point, due to aging, illness, or other circumstances, you or a loved one may find living at home more difficult than it used to be. This doesn’t mean that it’s time to move into a residential facility or just suffer in silence. With a little help, many people struggling with daily activities can continue to have fulfilling, comfortable lives in their own homes. That’s where a home care agency comes in.
Home care agencies provide professional caregivers that offer a range of services, such as help with mobility, housekeeping, transportation and more, in the client’s home. If you’re thinking about using a home care agency for yourself or a loved one, this step-by-step guide will help you choose the right one for you.
1. Getting Started: Personal Recommendations
A good place to start is with those who know the potential client best: his/her doctor, friends, and family. If anyone you trust is already using or familiar with home care services, ask them for any recommendations they may have. They can likely point you in the right direction in the search for your home care agency.
2. What Are Your Home Care Needs?
Now it’s time to assess the specific home care needs of yourself or your loved one. Make a list of things that the client needs help with, and compare it to the types of services your potential home care agency offers.
You must first decide between home care and home health care. If the client simply needs help with the activities of daily life, a home care agency is your best bet. However, if the in-home care needs include medical treatment (e.g., physiotherapy, specialist medical equipment), you’ll need a home health care agency whose staff has medical training.
This guide assumes that home care is what you need, but should you require home health care, be aware that it must be authorized by a physician’s order.
3. Find The Services You Need
Now that you have your checklist of care needs, you can search for home care agencies in your area that offer them. You can include these needs in your internet search — for example, “home care services agency in Indiana that offers housekeeping services.” If you are not sure what a particular service type covers, contact the agency for more information.
For example, Nova Home Care outlines its range of home care services on its website.
4. Do Your Due Diligence
You’ve found a home care agency with services that match your needs. Now, it’s time to make sure they are reputable. You can do this online via thorough research of reviews, testimonials, partnerships, and licenses.
The quality of the caregiver is paramount; after all, he/she will be working with you or your loved one in the intimate setting of the home. You want a home care agency that holds its employees to a high standard. Make sure to contact the agency and ask about the qualifications of its caregivers, whether they run background checks, etc.
5. Scheduling And Availability
Once you have chosen a home care agency, you need to coordinate with them to work out a schedule based on the availability of the caregiver and the needs of the client. It’s also worth arranging a backup caregiver just in case the main caregiver is sick or unavailable on a given day.
6. Agree On A Payment Plan
Before starting home care, check the home care agency’s rates and whether they fall into your budget. A reputable agency will offer a payment plan with the flexibility to fit within your budget.
Your private or public insurance may cover all or most of your home care, but options vary by agency. Nova Home Care is fully covered by Medicaid.
7. Customer Assessment And Feedback
Using a home care agency isn’t a fire-and-forget process; it’s an ongoing relationship that should always prioritize the client’s comfort. A trustworthy agency will offer a customer satisfaction guarantee with an easy client feedback process. Submit your feedback regularly to ensure that you or your loved one is receiving the best care possible.
Home Care In Your Area
If you live in Indiana, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, or Connecticut, start by contacting Nova Home Care. We provide professional, personalized in-home care services for all counties in these states. Get in touch with us online or call 317-537-2490 to find out more about how Nova can help you or a loved one live comfortably and happily at home.