Home health care is usually referring to help for the elderly who are unable to care for themselves, but that isn't always the case. Home health care can be professional nursing care, personal care services and/or companionship care. Signing up with a local service doesn't have to be a chore, but you do keep a few things in mind:
Don't choose blindly - Do research on each and every care service you find. How long have they been providing care? Are they licensed or certified? Do they have a website where you can read other clients' reviews? Are they qualified to give medical care? Will the agency provide you with employee references?
Don't go with the cheapest option - Money is tight for everyone, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on your loved one's care. Some services offer only minimal care and that may not be enough for your situation.
Don't go with the most expensive option - Just because a service is expensive, doesn't mean that it would be best for you. If you family member is not in need of medical care, then it might not be necessary to sign up with a registered nurse. Also, a service may require you to use their services for more hours per week than you need.
Don't overlook anything - what type of care will you be needing? Help with daily chores? Rehabilitation therapy? Delivery of medication? A registered nurse? A respiratory therapist? Be sure that the services you seek are the same services that they provide.
Don't hesitate to ask - When selecting the best option for your loved one, be sure to not leave any questions unanswered. This is an important decision that you are making and one that requires a lot of thought. Some companies may appear at first glance to not be able to offer the services you need, but ask anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised. Be sure to ask what times of the day that services would be available and when they would begin.
Don't forget to read the fine print - How will you be paying for the home health care? Will it be paid by a third party such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration or even a health insurance company? If so, some third party payers will have specific requirements met before they will shell out the money to pay for the service. Be sure to check with your provider that they meet all of these requirements.
Don't forget the patient. Whether the patient is yourself, a friend or a loved one, be sure that they are comfortable with the arrangement you choose and the people who will be serving them. Home health care should quality care in the convenience and comfort of one's home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6890552
Don't choose blindly - Do research on each and every care service you find. How long have they been providing care? Are they licensed or certified? Do they have a website where you can read other clients' reviews? Are they qualified to give medical care? Will the agency provide you with employee references?
Don't go with the cheapest option - Money is tight for everyone, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on your loved one's care. Some services offer only minimal care and that may not be enough for your situation.
Don't go with the most expensive option - Just because a service is expensive, doesn't mean that it would be best for you. If you family member is not in need of medical care, then it might not be necessary to sign up with a registered nurse. Also, a service may require you to use their services for more hours per week than you need.
Don't overlook anything - what type of care will you be needing? Help with daily chores? Rehabilitation therapy? Delivery of medication? A registered nurse? A respiratory therapist? Be sure that the services you seek are the same services that they provide.
Don't hesitate to ask - When selecting the best option for your loved one, be sure to not leave any questions unanswered. This is an important decision that you are making and one that requires a lot of thought. Some companies may appear at first glance to not be able to offer the services you need, but ask anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised. Be sure to ask what times of the day that services would be available and when they would begin.
Don't forget to read the fine print - How will you be paying for the home health care? Will it be paid by a third party such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration or even a health insurance company? If so, some third party payers will have specific requirements met before they will shell out the money to pay for the service. Be sure to check with your provider that they meet all of these requirements.
Don't forget the patient. Whether the patient is yourself, a friend or a loved one, be sure that they are comfortable with the arrangement you choose and the people who will be serving them. Home health care should quality care in the convenience and comfort of one's home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6890552
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