Choosing a Home Care Provider - What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one need respite care after surgery or ongoing care for chronic illness, you may be considering enlisting the help of a home care company. Whether you are planning to enlist the help of an agency or hire a personal home help, knowing what questions to ask is essential to receiving high quality assistance. We have put together a list of questions you should review when making this important decision.

The Company

* How long have they been in business?

* Are they members of an association that promotes standards of care? (e.g. Private Home Care Association)

* How do they select and train their carers? (Background checks etc.)

* Can they provide references from previous clients?

* What are the costs?

* What services do they provide? It often more important to know what services they don't provide.

* What tax relief is available on the costs? Is there any financial assistance available?

* Do they provide a written care plan?

* Do they have supervisors who monitor their carers to ensure high quality?

* What is their policy for emergencies?

Your Needs

* Do you need medical / nursing care?

* Do you need dementia care?

* What support services do you need?

* Do you need transportation to appointments / for shopping etc.?

* Do you need medication management?

* Have you any specific dietary needs that will need to be taken care of?

The Carer

* What are their skills and qualifications?

* Are they fluent in English or your native language?

* What is their temperament / nature like?

* Have they any personal references from previous clients?

The home care market is growing every year.

We hope this checklist will help you find the provider that is right for you.

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