Choosing an in-home care agency is an important decision family caregivers should never take lightly. Your should ask the home care company as many questions as possible pertaining to your senior loved one’s health, as well as the background of the caregivers working at the agency. Here are some questions that should be at the top of the list when you are interviewing in-home care agencies.
Are Your Caregivers Trained for Emergencies?
The way a caregiver responds to an emergency situation could impact how your loved one recovers. For instance, if your loved one falls down the stairs, the caregiver should act immediately, regardless of how hard the fall was. Calling the doctor and taking your loved one to the emergency room could prevent the issue from worsening. An in-home care agency should provide caregivers with training that includes addressing emergencies such as falls, negative responses to medication, and poor breathing. Go over the company’s policies and procedures for emergency situations. Your loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional health could be put at risk if the caregiver isn’t trained to respond to unexpected health issues.
Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable home care. Barrie Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What Type of Certifications and References Does Your Agency Provide?
While some caregivers may be more educated than others, make sure every caregiver at the agency you’re considering is certified to work in the senior home care field. Ask to see credentials, and make sure to read their personal references and reviews. The type of training and certification caregivers should have will depend on your loved one’s current care needs. For example, if your loved one is living with dementia, choose an agency with caregivers who specialize in dementia care.
What Is the Payment Process and Policy?
Before choosing a home care agency, find out how much the agency charges for its services. The agency should give your family a set price list that remains consistent. Keep in mind it is normal for prices and fees to increase or decrease on an annual basis. You should also ask if you need to pay the home care agency or if the professional caregiver should be paid directly.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care Barrie families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
What Is the Caregiver’s Availability?
Once you have gone through the interview process, ask when the chosen caregiver will be available to work. You shouldn’t have to wait more than a week. Some agencies will send the caregiver to your home immediately. The more your family has to wait, the longer your loved one goes without care. In addition to a start date, ask if the agency is flexible in terms of emergency placement. There may be instances when you are unable to relieve the caregiver on time due to work, personal commitments, or issues beyond your control. You will need to know what the agency’s policy is in these situations.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Barrie seniors can depend on. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at 647-970-3803 today.