Tips on Finding the Right Home Care Agency

Article submitted by Tricia Mullin, Director of United Methodist Community Support Services.
For more information, she can be reached at 773-769-5270, or by e-mail: homemaker@umhschicago.org.

Home care agencies differ in many ways. They may be Medicare certified or non-Medicare certified. They may be for profit or not-for-profit, and they may be independent or affiliated with a larger agency. Agencies differ also in the types of services they provide, how they administer their services, and how they collect their fees.

When selecting an agency, it is important to clearly understand what types of services they do provide and what, if any, insurance or reimbursement they accept. Homemaker or home care agencies provide para-professional home care, using experienced homemakers and certified nurses aides. Home health agencies may be affiliated with a hospital and focus on medical aspects of home care. They may use licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and physical therapists. A nurse registry or agency typically uses private duty, registered nurses and other types of skilled therapists.

When selecting an agency to provide care for a loved one, there are several questions you will want to ask:

What is the fee structure? Who do you pay for the services received? Are there extra costs? Is Medicare or private insurance accepted?
Is the agency for-profit or not-for-profit? What other services are provided for helping the older adult?
Is the agency bonded and insured?
What is the history of the agency?
What organizations does the agency work with?
How do they hire their caregivers?
Do they conduct a criminal background check?
Do they check references?
Do they pay the employee?
Do they pay the social security taxes and payroll taxes for the employee?
Do they require a health screening for the employee?
Is a home assessment done prior to the beginning of service?
Can the supervisor be reached 24 hours a day?
Do you need to sign a contract?
What is the minimum length of service?
Will you get an opportunity to interview or meet the caregiver before service begins?
What if you are dissatisfied with the caregiver?
What happens if a worker is injured in your home?
How soon can services begin?

It is not easy to decide to use home care. Most people want to stay in their home for as long as possible and may depend on family or friends to provide necessary assistance. There may come a time where it is necessary to hire outside assistance for daily activities: housekeeping, laundry, personal hygiene, grocery shopping and meal preparation, medication reminder, paying bills and managing cash flow. Selecting a reputable agency will enable you or your loved one to remain comfortably and safely at home for as long as possible.