If you have been caring for a loved one, there may come a time when you are unable to provide the level of care that they require. If you believe that now is the time to seek outside assistance, it is important that you find the right home care agency that meets your needs and budget. The following step-by-step guide explains how to evaluate home care providers so that you can be completely confident in your final decision.
Learn About the Various Types of Home Care Agencies
Home care agencies differ in terms of business models, size, and ownership structure, which can influence the level of care that a facility provides. These agencies are typically classified as independent or franchised. Franchise agencies are more widely known and usually have strict pricing, procedures, and policies that all companies within the franchise must follow.
Independent organizations like Loving Hands Home Care Services can establish their own procedures, policies, training programs, and pricing structure. When interviewing different home care providers, inquire about their experience and background to determine how long they've been providing care in your community. This information can also be obtained from online customer reviews.
Determine your budget
Find out how much a home care agency charges when you first speak with them. Once you've created a budget, it will be easier to determine whether the costs are within your budget. Keep in mind that home care services are usually tailored to each individual client.
Make Sure the Agency is Licensed, Insured and Bonded
You'll notice that licensing laws vary from state to state. If you live in a state that requires all home care agencies to be licensed, you can look up current license statuses online. Most home care agencies insure their employees against claims of caregiver theft or other similar issues. As proof of coverage, request a copy of the agency's insurance declaration page. Loving Hands Home Care Services in Hayward and Stockton has been licensed, insured and bonded since 2014 and has been providing excellent in-home care ever since.
Find out About Care Management Procedures
If your loved one has specific care needs, your goal should be to find a home care agency that provides care management procedures that meet these requirements. The best home care agencies provide comprehensive care planning in order to provide more individualized care.
It is critical that you discuss any caregiver preferences your loved one has during your initial consultation. If your loved one has Alzheimer's disease, for example, he or she must be paired with a professional caregiver who has dementia care experience.
Loving Hands Home Care Services strives to provide exceptional care to anyone who walks through our doors. Our Home Health Aides are certified and qualified to provide you with individualized healthcare services that keep you comfortable in your own home.
Call our Hayward and Stockton home care agency at (510) 367-7182 today to learn more about the home care services we can provide.