15 Questions That Help You Look For a Good Home Health Care Agency

You know your elderly father needs assisted living and can no longer be left alone at home. Home health care seems to be the best option. You know there are many agencies that provide home health care services. How should you decide which Home Health agency to choose for your loved ones?

Talk to friends, neighbors and your local area aging agency about senior care. The following questions can help guide your search:

1.    How long has the home health agency been serving this community?

2.    Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the senior home care facilities it offers and how much they cost? If yes, get a brochure.

3.    Is the agency approved by Medicare?

4.    Is the quality of senior health care it provides certified by a national accrediting body such as the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?

5.    Does the agency hold a current license to practice?

6.    Does the agency offer seniors a written "Patients' Rights" document that clearly describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and senior for whom the home health facilities are needed?

7.    Does the agency write an in-home nursing plan for care of the patient (with the help of the patient, his/her doctor and family) and update the plan as needed?

8.    How well does the supervisor oversee care to ensure quality?

9.    Are the agency staff members available round the clock, seven days a week, if necessary?

10. Does the agency have an in-home nursing supervisor on call 24 hours a day?

11. What is the procedure for resolving problems that may arise and whom can I call with questions or complaints?

12. How does the home care agency hire and train its employees?

13. What arrangements does the agency make if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled?

14. How does the agency handle billing?

15. Is financial assistance available to pay for the services?