You’ve gotten past the tough conversation with your loved one that it’s time to get some additional assistance with home care. Now you are asking yourself “How can I select the right home care provider?” The internet is full of do’s and don’ts when it comes to selecting a home care company to help take care of your family member. The most important thing you need to ask yourself “Is this a company that you and your loved one can trust?”

How to select the right home care provider

When meeting with a senior home care company, you want to make sure that you can fully disclose your concerns and receive answers that make you and your loved one feel comfortable. Many companies promise the best care and the most experienced staff. A high-quality home care company will provide information about staff experience, background checks, challenges that may occur in a home setting and how long the company itself has been working with patients in senior home care. Most of the time this information can be found on the home care companies website, but having a verbal conversation can help establish an emotional connection that the company has with their clients. A conversation with staff, by phone or in person, helps you get a much better sense of who they are as a company compared to only reading the words on their website.

Home Care Plan

When looking to hire a senior home care company, the company should discuss a plan of care with you and your loved one. This discussion should include:

  • What services are needed
  • How often services are required
  • Financial compensation

Any additional changes to the plan of care should be discussed with family members and the individual receiving services. During the discussion of plan of care the normal day to day activities that the individual enjoys should be discussed. This will help to place an appropriate caregiver with your loved one. It is important that the loved one’s input is valued in the discussion. They need to be able to maintain their own independence. They shouldn’t feel that their thoughts and feelings are being disregarded and that they are going to be told what to do in their own home.

Happy home care nurse tending to a senior home care patient in their home

Confidentiality and Written Agreement

The senior home care company that you choose should be able to ensure 100% patient confidentiality and provide all services and financial terms in writing prior to start of care. This ensures that both the home care company and the family can address any last-minute questions they may have. Along with a signed agreement they should supply you with literature or materials that fully explain their fees and payment requirements.

Just remember that you always want to feel like you can call the home care company anytime to discuss any concerns you may be having with your loved one or their caregiver. You are trusting this company to treat your family member as one of their own. By having open communication with your senior home care company, it allows you to ensure that your love one is receiving the best ongoing care possible.