Providing home health services for seniors can be a rewarding yet challenging experience for caregivers. As they reach the sunset of their lives, family members often require specialized care and support. However, caregivers may face burnout and lack motivation amidst these responsibilities.
Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Just know that it is perfectly normal. Do not beat yourself up for it, and reach out for help. There are viable solutions like home health agencies that specialize in extending personalized one-on-one care at home.
As per recent data, there were a total of 11,353 active Medicare-certified home health agencies across the US in 2022. Unfortunately, their numbers have decreased drastically in the last decade. This may make it challenging to find reliable services for your loved one.
Just remember that you need not choose the first option available, nor do you need to despair. In this article, we will discuss four extremely crucial factors to consider before selecting a home health agency for a senior.
Type of Care Services
Generally, you will find two types of home care services – skilled, home healthcare, and non-medical home care. There may come a point when your loved one needs both. If your loved one simply needs support with daily activities, you can opt for the latter.
It will primarily involve loving and compassionate caregivers who help the senior with bathing, personal grooming, fall prevention, and light housework like meal preparation. They may also take up other roles, such as transportation and appointment reminders.
This will provide your loved one and yourself with much-needed respite. In case their needs are more focused on medical assistance, including IV therapy or wound care, the first option is better. Carefully consider the two options, and depending on your senior’s requirements, you may have to opt for both.
Ratings and Reviews
Do not sign a contract with the first home health agency you can locate. It is important to know what others have to say about their services. Check for positive ratings or reviews online, especially on third-party websites. Some good third-party sites include Home Care Plus and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Evaluate what aspects of the agency people are praising and criticizing. Do they offer satisfactory quality of care? Are they prompt in client service? Do they truly provide round-the-clock availability? You can even inspect your state’s licensing requirements and government databases.
Several states conduct annual inspections and store the records online. If not, many may be willing to offer you access to these records. If you’re not sure where to look, your local council on aging is a good place to start.
Caregiver Experience and Competency
The home health agency you hire for your senior’s care needs must house skilled and competent caregivers and physicians. This is of utmost importance to ensure your loved one’s health improves and their needs are met.
Good home health agencies are run by reliable leaders and executives who have an eye for the best of the lot. Having pursued offline or online Ed.D. programs, these professionals only hire seasoned caregivers through pre-employment tests for personal health and capability.
According to Marymount University, such leaders are forward-thinking, specializing in change management and strategic leadership. As a result, they train their staff for patient care using telehealth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community resources. The caregivers would also be trained in a proper code of conduct that focuses on values like respect and integrity.
No-Show Plan and Unscheduled Visits
A common issue that people face with a home health agency is regarding the caregiver showing up when needed. This may sound strange, but some agencies have no organized process for no-show caregivers.
This means every time the caregiver does not report to your place, you’re left to take care of everything. So, before signing a contract, find out if there is a system in place for caregivers who cannot fill their shifts. For instance – some agencies pay bonuses for full attendance.
Also, consult whether the agency offers unscheduled visits by field nurse supervisors to ensure your senior is receiving the best possible care. During such visits, you can address any concerns that were difficult to discuss with the caregiver.
The home healthcare industry has seen its median revenue rise by $52,192 in 2023 when compared to the previous year. This has been the highest yearly increase in four years, suggesting that demand for home health services is rising.
With the industry’s expanding customer base, more such agencies may crop up soon. Meanwhile, you must do your due diligence before selecting one for your senior family member.
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