Personal Care

Article Submitted by Dan Spriggs with Ever Care. For more information he can be reached at 423-756-2411.

Who would not desire a licensed private duty agency to supply all of the personal needs of a loved one?
Having a licensed Agency providing care during the day or night, or even around the clock can benefit everyone involved.

Some families start well on their own with a schedule from different members of the family. It's not long before the daily or nightly care starts taking its toll on all that are involved. The ANSWER?

A private Duty Agency is the solution to this growing problem with our baby boomers.

Choosing an agency

1. Is the Private Duty Agency licensed with the state?

2. Most states require licenses for this kind of care. Don't just take the advertised statement, ask the representative to show proof.

3. Are they a member of the BBB?

4. This is a good indication that they want to provide premium care for your loved one and are accountable for it.

5. Is this agency a member of the State's Association for Home Care?

6. Again, this indicates that they are trying to stay on top of all the rules and regulations from the board and are a professional group to work with.

7. How long have they been in business?

8. Several years is better than several months. You want stability with an agency that may be giving long term care for your loved one.

9. Are they Bonded and Insured?

10. Some of the best agencies will have problems from time to time.

11. You want to be reassured that if something happens, you are covered.

12. Are they on call around the clock?

13. If you have scheduled help at night or on the weekend and nobody shows up, you will want to talk to someone immediately from the office, not an answering machine or an answering service.

14. Ask for references of past and present clients. You will want to call and ask families about their experience with this agency.

15. You may possibly want to meet the caregiver before hand, especially if giving care for long hours or days.