How to Choose a Home Care Agency

As seniors age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. For those who choose to remain in their homes, assistance from a home care agency can help with continuing to accomplish vital daily tasks. While most home care agencies can assist with food preparation, bathing and basic medical care, the chosen agency also should demonstrate a strong commitment to patient safety. Identifying an exceptional home care agency requires research on the part of patients or their adult children and should focus on competency of agencies’ staff and quality of care provided. The following steps can prove helpful in selecting a reputable home care agency in your local area.

Seek recommendations

An Internet search likely will yield multiple options for home care agencies in your area. Asking extended family members, friends and acquaintances for recommendations can help you narrow the field before you begin your in-depth due diligence. In addition, your primary care doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend agencies.

Ask the right questions

With the names of several potential agencies in hand, ask them questions to uncover more information about their services and methods for working with you. Important questions to ask include:

• How long has the agency served your community?
• What training does the agency provide to employees?
• What are the policies regarding medical care, including the use of nurses or therapists, working with the patient on the plan of care and documenting treatment?
• How are employees supervised?
• How does the agency handle emergencies?
• Does the agency incorporate the use of IndependaTV™ to assist with medication reminders, check-ins and video chat sessions between the agency, the patient and family members?
• Is the provider Medicare-certified and properly licensed by state and local agencies?
• Does the agency belong to state and local national home care groups?

Check references

A reputable home care agency should provide you with references to medical professionals, hospital discharge personnel and patients or family members. Be sure to contact references to learn what information they can share about any agency you’re considering.

Supplement home care with helpful technology

After conducting thorough research to choose the right high-quality home care provider, improve the level of care even further with the use of IndependaTV™. With medication reminders and convenient methods for communicating between patients, family members and agencies, IndependaTV™ helps personalize and optimize home care.