According to the CDC, there were 12,200 home health agencies in 2016 in the United States.
Now, there are even more of those agencies to choose from. If you’re considering choosing a home health care professional, there are some things you should know and consider, like the cost.
Before you choose an agency, make sure you read our article to learn all about home care.
1. They Provide Non-Medical Services As Well
Home healthcare agencies can provide medical service and care, but that’s not all that their job entails.
While medical services are important, non-medical services can make your loved one’s life a lot more comfortable and easier.
Also, the more services they provide, the more expensive their service will be.
2. Do Some Research on Who Owns and Manages the Agency
While there are some regulations surrounding home care agencies, you should do your research and find out who actually manages it.
You want to find an agency that’s run by a healthcare professional, like a nurse or someone else who has experience in the field.
If someone who has no healthcare experience started the business to just make some money, you may not end up getting the best of care.
3. Know Where to Look for an Agency
When you’re trying to find home care services, it can be difficult to know where to look and figure out who to hire.
If you want good quality, you should check a company’s certifications. Most agencies have to comply with state regulations and undergo an inspection to make sure that they are providing the best care possible.
You should also be able to find the results of these inspections somewhere online.
If you don’t trust any of the reviews you read online, you can always try asking your doctor for a recommendation. They may have a list of places you could check out. You can also ask for referrals from trusted friends and family members.
For great home care, you can also check out Sunshine Home Healthcare.
4. Do Your Research
Lastly, make sure that you do your research before hiring an agency.
Yes, a referral is always a great place to start, but you should look into what certifications and skills they offer. Do they offer nursing capabilities, like being able to put in an IV or administer medication?
Make a list of all the needs your loved one has and then match them with the skills listed by the agency.
Learn All About Home Care
These are only a few things to know when learning all about home care, but there is so much more information out there!
Before you sign up with an agency, make sure you meet with them to see if they would be a good match for your loved one.
If you are suspicious of them for any reason, trust your gut and don’t hire them.
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