Don't Assume All Home Care Companies are the Same!

Article submitted by Robert DeBlasio, RN.
For more information, he can be reached at 615-340-9001 (Nashville) or615-591-0048 (Brentwood & Franklin).

Selecting a home care service for your elderly or disabled loved one can be an overwhelming task. With so many choices, how can you be sure that the company you've chosen is the right one? Making the right decision requires time, patience and homework. That's why it's important to know what questions to ask.

Q: Will the caregiver be an employee of the home care service? Subcontracted help is not as reliable, which results in reduced quality of care-and more worries for you. You get better care and peace of mind when you choose a provider who sends its own employees to provide care for your loved one.

Q: Is the company licensed by the State of Tennessee? Licensed companies meet or exceed state standards, which guarantee high-quality care and your loved one's safety. Always ask to see a prospective care provider's state license.

Q: Do you drug test your employees? Protect your loved one by choosing a company that requires pre-employment drug testing and conducts random drug testing. Your loved one will be safest if you choose a company that can make the drug-free guarantee.

Q: Does the company carry Workers' Compensation coverage? If your home care provider doesn't have Workers' Compensation coverage, you could be liable for injuries the caregiver sustains while caring for your loved one. Ask to see their certificate of coverage.

Q: Is the company insured and bonded? Look for a home care firm that is licensed, insured, and bonded, which protects you and your loved one in the event of accident of injury. Ask for proof in writing.

Q: Does your agency do background checks on caregivers? In addition to having the right professional qualifications, caregivers need to have a clean background. There different degrees of background checks. Find out if your home care provider conducts a thorough background check including a ten-year criminal background review, reference check, credit check, abuse registry check and TB test. Checking background through the sheriff's office simply isn't enough.

Q: Does your company offer 24-hour service? Emergencies don't take a break on weekends and holidays. Find out if the company provides weekend, holiday and emergency coverage. Look for a provider who can promise a caregiver on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: What training do caregivers have? Some agencies only offer a "sitter." Is staff trained in all aspects of assisting your loved one with his personal care needs? Does the company also offer specialized training, such as caring for clients with memory loss or other special needs? The more training the staff has, the more comfortable you will feel.

Q: Is your company locally-owned or is it a franchise? Locally-owned companies whose owners have deep roots in the community, will be more accessible if you need assistance.