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What You Need To Know Before Hiring A Home Care Agency
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Posted On :
Feb-03-2012
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Article Word Count :
666
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When thoroughly investigating a home care agency there are some important questions you will need to ask. On the surface these agencies might seem the same but nothing could be further than the truth.
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When searching for a Home Care Agency there are several things you will need to ask each potential Home Care Agency.
Find out if the agency provides a free in home assessment to establish the patients needs, develop a plan of care and answer questions the family has about the service. It is important to find out the qualifications of the person who is doing the assessment. Good agencies will have a Registered Nurse or social worker perform the assessment.
You will need to find out if the home care agency's workers are bonded and insured. Most people do not like to think about possible problems or accidents but the fact is they do happen. From time to time, important things in someone's home can be damaged or go missing through a caregiver's negligence or dishonesty. You need to make sure that the potential agency has extensive insurance. These insurances should include Professional and General Liability, Non-Owned Auto, a Dishonesty Bond and standard Worker's Compensation policies. There are some companies that have minimal insurance coverage and some have none at all.
Make sure that the home care agency runs background checks on all employees. There are many unethical people looking for work. You do not want these kinds of people in your home or in the home of someone you love or care about. You should do business with a company that provides extensive background checks of their caregivers.
Most reputable home care companies have a licensed nurse on staff to ensure that proper protocol is being followed with the care of a patient. A trained nurse can help a caregiver recognize symptoms, identify potential hazards, observe special diets, establish proper hygiene, and familiarize them with infection control procedures and precautions.
You can feel free to ask how the agency selects and hires their employees. Many home care agencies will hire aides that have very little experience and credentials. Obviously this is not the type of caregiver that you want caring for you or your loved one. A reputable agency will have a minimum requirement for experience and certification. A good agency will factor in demeanor and professionalism.
Requesting literature is another great way to tell the professionalism of the home care agency. A company that has not spent the time or money developing important informational materials probably hasn't completed other important details either. These pamphlets and materials should provide you with information to answer your questions and provide details on matters that you might not have thought of earlier. More than likely if an agency sends you detailed materials for your review they probably go above and beyond in their home care as well.
Ask about a company's replacement or guarantee policy. A good agency will give you as many caregiver replacements as needed without limitation. Sometimes the caregiver’s personality and the patients does not fit. Good agencies recognize this issue and are willing to makes changes.
Find out if the company employs its caregivers or uses subcontractors. ?independent contractor-model companies do not train or supervise their caregivers. They do not carry Workers' Compensation Insurance, Liability Insurance, or Bonding for their caregivers. While it may cost a few dollars more per hour, it is best to choose an agency who employs its workers.
An agency should also have no problem providing you with references. You can even ask to speak with clients who have had a long history with the agency so you know what to expect from the agency.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to meet the home care agency's principle representative. You have the right to meet with the person who runs the operation to have all of your specific questions answered. You will also get a feel for the person and how they conduct business at the agency.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What You Need To Know Before Hiring A Home Care Agency_143783.aspx
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Author Resource :
To know more about Pasadena Home Care please browse Pasadena Home Care
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Keywords :
Pasadena Home Care, Pasadena Home Care Agency, Pasadena Home Care Provider, Pasadena Home Care Service,
Category :
Health and Fitness
:
Health and Fitness
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