Questions for Home Care Providers
Questions to Ask All Home Care Providers
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Has the caregiver been trained?
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By whom?
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The extent of training?
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Does the agency train all its caregivers?
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Does the training include education on dealing with rare diseases?
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Have the agency’s caregivers passed criminal background checks and drug screenings, and have personal references been secured on all caregivers?
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Are the caregivers bonded and insured? This means the company covers claims and insurance, so the homeowner is not liable should something happen.
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Does the caregiver have workers’ compensation coverage?
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Can you check references for the agency?
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Does the agency offer backup/replacement caregivers?
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How much input will you have in selecting the caregivers?
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What restrictions (if any) apply to the services provided?
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Hours of service?
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Weight restrictions?
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How much flexibility will you have in setting a schedule for services?
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How much notice does the agency need to begin or cancel service?
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What is the cost of service, including:
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Minimum hours of service per visit/week/month?
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Special overnight rates?
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Does the agency maintain a quality assurance or supervisory program?
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What is the agency’s communication plan to keep families informed?
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Does the agency require a service deposit?
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Does the agency offer the personal care services the patient needs, like assistance with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom?
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Are patients’ special needs, such as language preferences, accommodated?
Additional Questions to Ask a Medical Home Care Provider:
In addition to the questions above, it’s important to ask a medical home care provider the following:
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Is the home healthcare agency certified?
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Does the home healthcare agency offer a full range of home healthcare services, including skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapies; IV therapy; and home health aides?
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How do you receive a referral for home healthcare agency services? A referral can be made by anyone involved in a patient’s care – physician, family or others. If someone other than a physician makes referrals, many home healthcare agencies contact the patient’s physician to approve orders for service.
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Does the hospital discharge planner, doctor, or social worker recommend the home healthcare agency? Those recommendations can serve as a second reference.
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Does the home healthcare agency have the staff available at night and on weekends for emergencies?
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Where else could you find information about certified home healthcare agencies?
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Does the home healthcare agency have staff available to provide the type and hours of care as prescribed by the physician?