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Making the Right Home Care Choice in Your Hershey, PA
 The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home.But to receive quality assistance, it's important to know what questions to ask sothat you hire the home care agency that's right for you. To help you sort through your options, ask questions to help you evaluate theservices. There are several facets to home care, and asking the right questions upfront can help you choose the best agency for your needs.
Agency qualifications
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How long has the agency been in business?
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Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
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Is the agency certified by Medicare? If so, that means it meets federalrequirements for health and safety. An agency's Medicare survey report ispublic information. If the agency isn't certified, ask why.
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Is the agency licensed by the state? Most states — but not all — requireagencies to be licensed and reviewed regularly. These reviews may beavailable upon request and can be valuable for gauging the quality of anagency. To obtain a report, contact your state health department.
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Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospitaldischarge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
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How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
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What are the credentials of the providers?
Quality of care
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What is the professional training of the staff?
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Will the agency provide you with the services of nurses aides, CNAs ortherapists? Will they work directly with you, your family members or yourdoctor?
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Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
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Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care ona regular basis?
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Does the agency have references on file for home care staff?
 
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Do employees seem friendly and helpful?
Costs
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How does the agency handle expenses and billing? Does the agency provideliterature explaining its services and fees? Does it provide detailedexplanations of all the costs associated with home care?
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What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance,if needed?
Understanding services
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Is there a written plan that details services to be provided by each caregiver?Documents — including financial arrangements — should be given to youbefore service begins so that there's no misunderstanding about the serviceto be provided.
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Does the agency provide a brochure that outlines fees, eligibilityrequirements and services provided? Many agencies provide a "patient's billof rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
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Will you be involved in planning for care or making changes to the care plan?
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Who will be working in your home, and what are his or her specific duties?
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What procedures does the agency have for emergencies? Are caregiversavailable round-the-clock? Is someone on call?
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How does the agency address and resolve problems? Who can you or anotherfamily member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
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Does the home care agency require that you have a primary family caregiveras a condition of admission? If so, what will be required of that person?
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How many hours of coverage a week are allocated?
Monitor your home care service
After you've found a home care provider, it's up to you to monitor the care you oryour loved one receives to make sure it's what the doctor ordered. That's wherehaving a detailed, written care plan can help. Make sure the care you're receivingfollows what's detailed in the plan. Record the number of visits from the agency. If you have any questions about the care you're receiving, ask your doctor.
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