Trusting someone to care for your elderly loved one can be a huge step, which is why choosing an in-home care agency should never be taken lightly. You need to research agencies and ask for their credentials and past references. Here are some of the things family members should discuss with elderly care agencies before making a final choice.
1. Details about Certification & Licensing
A trustworthy in-home care agency should be certified, licensed, and have proper insurance. The agency should only hire employees who are certified and trained to provide your loved one with high-quality care.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Fee Schedule
Before choosing an in-home care agency, ask what the prices are up front. You don’t want to pay unexpected fees down the line. Costs may increase or decrease frequently, but you should know the terms of these changes. For example, an in-home care agency shouldn’t increase costs more than once per year, and the company should give clients sufficient notice about fee changes.
3. Emergency Policies
There may be instances when you’re unable to relieve a caregiver on time, so make sure the agency has emergency procedures in place. If the agency cannot guarantee someone will be with your loved one in the event of an emergency, go with another company. You want to make sure the agency has backup resources available for your family.
4. Daily Reports
If you’re unable to visit your loved one on a regular basis, you need to receive reports from his or her caregiver. These reports let you know your loved one’s health is being monitored, and they show the caregiver is working the correct hours. Many agencies require employees to keep detailed notes or make electronic updates.
5. Specialized Care
Seniors who have been diagnosed with age-related illnesses or chronic conditions need different care compared to those who are in good physical and mental shape. Ask the in-home care agency if their caregivers have specialized training in various areas of care, including dementia, cancer, and diabetes.
Families looking for top-rated Richmond homecare providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
6. Examples of Past Firings
Many families avoid asking about past firings, but it’s an important topic to discuss. The reasons behind an employee’s firing can tell you many things, such as:
- How the agency handles complaints
- How involved the agency is with its employees and clients
- How safe your loved one will be if you choose the in-home care agency
7. Reassignment of Caregivers
Your loved one may not have a good relationship with his or her caregiver and request a replacement. You’ll need to know the in-home care agency’s policy on caregiver reassignments before hiring the company. A good agency will prioritize your loved one’s needs and allow caregiver reassignment.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Richmond, VA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746.