Tips and Hints For Making the Right Decision For In-Home Care

Living at home is possible and a lot easier when you know what questions to ask. Those agencies who do care for Medicare patients, results can be reviewed through their last state survey results by visiting Medicare's main website.

But not all agencies handle Medicare, they are private pay only. Tips and Hints in making the right decision: Be organized Ask the Home Care Agency if they remain on-call 24 hours a day? Does the agency require a long-term service contract? Provide the aide with a checklist of duties for EACH DAY. Communication is 'key' to the relationship working.

The aide should not sleep (except live-in) or smoke in your home. If there is a problem, immediately contact the agency who sent the aide. The aides should provide their own lunch/dinner unless you offer. Do not tip the aide. Do not send your loved one out in a car with the aide, unless this is prearranged with agency. Aides should only minimally use the phone for personal calls. Make sure you know in advance how payment is expected. Ask the Agency what services they can and cannot provide. Certain services will require the aide to be licensed.

There should be some consistency after about 1 to 2 weeks regarding the person who is sent to the home. Sometimes it takes a week or so to get the same person on schedule for your home. Be patient! What is the hiring practice of the agency? Have background checks been performed on every caregiver prior to service? Are they bonded and insured? Do they carry professional liability and workers' compensation insurance? What unique process does the agency offer to insure caregiver's compatibility with you or your family member?

If there are too many late shows/no shows or inconsistencies, CHANGE AGENCIES (speak to them about the problem first, perhaps they can correct the situation). Always meet in person with an owner of the Agency first and have the option to interview the aides. Hopefully the above suggestions will help you in making the right decision for your loved one!

Marilyn Rowe is the CEO and owner of Home Care Assistance of Denver, Colorado.

For more information and a FREE REPORT "Discover the Secrets That Allow Seniors To Stay At Home For Life", please go to [homecareassistancedenver.com]