5 Things to Do Before Hiring an In-Home Care Agency
When it’s time to hire an in-home care agency for you or your loved one, you might wonder where is the best way to start. This is a big decision, with big change, that needs to be well thought out, and you and your loved one need to feel comfortable with your options.
Here are five things to consider before you call an in-home care company.
Evaluate Specific Needs
A good first step when starting the process of hiring an in-home care agency is to evaluate your loved one's needs, what will be most helpful to you if you are the primary caregiver, and what you expect from an outside caregiver.
For example:
Are there medical conditions, devices or medications that might require a more specialized level of care from a Certified Nursing Assistant or is support for companionship and activities of daily living by a Personal Care Assistant or other caregiver more appropriate?
Is there a block of time, and specific days, when care is needed most, or do you have flexibility in working out a weekly schedule?
Are there specific hobbies or activities you or your loved one enjoy that might be important for a caregiver to participate in?
Will transportation be important to get to appointments or run errands?
Know Your Payment Options
How much will in-home care cost and how it will be paid for can either expand or limit your options in choosing an agency partner. From Medicaid, Medicare, and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waivers to long-term care insurance, Veteran’s benefits, and private pay, in-home care agencies vary on payment options they can accept. Know how you plan to pay for care and then ask the agency up front if they accept that payment option. If they do, then ask for hourly rates and if there are cost differentials for weekends or other services.
Involve Others in the Decision-Making Process
Family members, social workers, discharge planners, primary care providers and others could have valuable insight into specific care needs, and you should make it a priority to include those who would like or need to be involved in the decision-making process. The individual who will receive care should always be included when possible and will have important input into what will be most helpful for them.
Most in-home care agencies will require an in-home assessment before service can begin, and this is often an optimal time for all interested parties to participate.
Find an In-Home Care Partner You Trust
There is no shortage of in-home care agencies in the market, and it’s always good to speak with people in your inner circle who may have had experience working with an agency and who they might recommend. Same for your or your loved one’s care team who might have had good success with past referrals to a few different agencies.
If expanding your search online, read through agency online reviews and testimonials to learn what other clients have to say. This shouldn’t be your only barometer for success but it can be a good indicator if an agency might be trustworthy or has had a track record of poor service.
Discuss Needs and Preferences
It's not uncommon for you or your loved one to have preferences when it comes to who takes care of them, especially if help is needed with personal care. It may feel uncomfortable at first talking about these preferences, but these are common conversations most agencies have with clients, and they help agencies make the best caregiver match possible.
Some older adults want a talkative companion while others become exhausted with the social stimulation. Some have treasured hobbies or still manage a very active lifestyle, while others take pleasure in quiet relaxation. And some with hearing loss may prefer a caregiver who speaks loudly. Be vocal and clear about the kind of support that is most helpful to you.
Conclusion
There is no singular path to finding the right in-home care agency partner, but what is consistent are some of the key things you can do up front, such as the tips noted above, to hone your search to an agency partner you trust.
No matter where you are in your search, you can always call our office for answers to your important questions to determine if we are the right partner for you. Speak to a member of our care team at (651) 796-2540
