If you've decided that care at home will be best option for your aging family member, the next step is choosing a senior home health care agency to deliver that care. There are several items that you must consider to make the best choice:
- Does the agency offer all of the services that may be required, such as skilled nursing, professional therapy, and certified home health aides? What will the nursing and care schedule entail?
- Can the agency meet any specific cultural, religious, or language needs you may have?
- What personal care services will you need? Bathing or cooking assistance? Shopping, laundry or housekeeping? Does the agency offer these or can they make recommendations?
- What is the agency's protocol for emergencies?
- What payment arrangements can be made and do they accept your insurance or Medicare?
- Does the staff undergo background checks or special training?
- Does the agency provide any necessary equipment or can they help you obtain it?
These questions can help you get started and eliminate any agencies that are simply inept or ill-equipped for your particular situation. Once you've narrowed down your list of elderly home health care agencies, you can ask more specific questions regarding insurance and quality of care.
The actual person or persons that will be taking care of your loved one should meet certain criteria of their own, such as being properly trained and licensed and undergoing a criminal background check. Valley Home Health employs skilled nursed with RN or LVN certifications, certified home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers to assist with every facet of care.
Beyond doing your homework and making a wise choice in agency, it is the duty of the family to ensure that the elderly home health care professionals that are assigned to the case are meeting the needs of the patient and the family. The personality and character of the senior home health care nurses and aides should match those of the clients and they should be in the position to be positive contributors to the medical health and emotional well-being of all involved parties.