Fully Understanding Home Health Care Services

Fully Understanding Your Home Health Care Options

In part 1, we discussed the qualifications that any quality Home Health Care Provider or Home Health Aide should possess. In part 2, we covered points related to “Quality of Care” & “Costs” as it relates to finding the right home health care provider. In the third and final part of this series, we will help you better understand & monitor the services you will receive.

Home care services can range from medical care to personal care, such as bathing, shopping, helping with daily household chores, etc. So, if you are considering home care services, ask these questions to choose the best home health care provider for your needs.

If you or an aging parent is recovering from a hospital stay or needs long term care for a chronic illness, surgery or fall related injury, you may be interested in home care services.

Home care services range from skilled care provided by nurses or therapists to household support, such as cleaning, cooking and running errands.

Whether you’re planning to enlist the help of a home care services registry or hire a personal home health aide, knowing what questions to ask is key to receiving quality assistance.

Below we listed information related to understanding your Home Health Care Services that can assist you in your search.

Understanding Your Home Health Care Services

Whether you’re considering a home care services agency or a home health aide, you might ask the same questions about services:

• Will you receive a written care plan before service begins? The care plan should include details about medical equipment and specific care needs, and it should be updated frequently. Such documentation can help prevent misunderstandings.
• Will you receive a list of the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved? This is sometimes known as a patient’s bill of rights.
• Will the agency provide you or your loved one with the services of nurses or therapists?
• Will the agency work directly with you or your loved one, family members and health care providers?
• Must you identify a primary family caregiver? If so, what’s required of that person?
• Are there any limits on the types of tasks performed? If so, what are the limits?
• When will service be provided? Is care available round-the-clock, if necessary?
• What procedures are in place for emergencies? Ask how the agency or home health aide will go about delivering services in the event of a power failure or natural disaster.
• How are problems addressed and resolved? Who can you or another family member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
• How quickly can services begin?

Monitor Your Home Care Services

After you’ve found a home care services provider, monitor the situation. If you’re concerned about the care or services provided, discuss it promptly with the agency or home health aide. If necessary, involve your doctor or your loved one’s doctor as well.

We hope that this 3 part series provided information that will help you better understand Home Health Care Services. Keep in mind that our staff at Boca Home Care Services is always here to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact our certified nursing staff anytime.

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