Let’s face it; choosing home care service isn’t always an easy decision; especially when there are so many factors to consider. CareFocus Companion realizes the importance of this decision and to help you on your journey we’ve compiled a brief checklist. We hope it helps you with the conversations you’ll be having with loved ones and home care agencies by focusing on three key components of the decision making process:
- What services are you seeking?
- What are the two main types of home care?
- What services are offered?
Needs – What Services Are You Seeking?
Although this may seem like a simple question, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Choosing a home care agency is a very big decision and it’s often easy to overlook your loved one’s specific needs during the process. When it comes to the fundamental questions you should be asking yourself, consider the following:
- What level of care do you or your loved one require? Will it require a more hands-on approach?
- Are you seeking companion care for someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss?
- Do you or a loved one live with a physical disability or limited mobility?
These questions are just a few of the many that you can ask to help to identify the aspects of care that are needed. Ideally, they will lead to more questions which will truly help you to see the bigger picture. Fully understanding your needs or the needs of a loved one will not only make this entire process easier, but it will give your home care provider a better idea of how to match needs with services.
For more information, please feel free to review our “Getting Started: Evaluating Your Loved One’s Needs” checklist to assist you in identifying and monitoring changes in your loved one’s behavior.
Types – What Are the Two Major Types of Home Care?
After you have assessed your needs, it’s time to figure out whether services will be medical or non-medical. There are two major types of home care and it’s important to understand the difference. For example, home health services (medical) are typically covered by Medicare while home care (non-medical) services are not (unless it is part of a skilled medical need). These types of distinctions can make a huge difference:
1. Home Health Agencies
- Focused more on the medical aspects of home care
- Provide skilled treatment and/or rehabilitation services to homebound patients
- These agencies will often have a Registered Nurse who will develop a care plan
2. Home Care Agencies
- Often referred to as non-medical care
- Services range from personal care activities (i.e. eating and dressing) to housekeeping
- Highly trained caregivers are ideal for helping with basic life tasks and companionship
Knowing the difference between these two types of agencies is vital because each of them offers a different range of services. One of the first things you’ll want to do is identify the extent of services that are needed. Consulting with a trusted personal physician or medical professional could be helpful in determining if any type of hands-on medical care would be involved.
Services – What Services Are Offered?
One of the advantages of the Internet is the sheer amount of information available about home care agencies. Not only can we read consumer reviews of an agency’s service, but the majority of them also have their own website(s). Most sites have a comprehensive description of services offered. As you read through them, keep the following in mind:
- What kinds of initial assessments are offered; will the agency provide a home evaluation or care plan?
- What fees are associated with service and do they provide flexible hours?
Choosing Home Care
Keep in mind that the information we’ve presented to you doesn’t reflect all of the considerations that are involved with choosing home care service. This document is meant as a guide to help you get the conversation started. CareFocus welcomes the opportunity to join the conversation. We are happy to answer your questions and connect you to the right people. Remember, although choosing home care services can seem like an overwhelming decision; it’s one you don’t have to make alone.