After some gentle persuasion from you and your siblings, your aging mother has finally agreed to accept some professional in-home care. Now the real work begins as you search and compare various eldercare providers so Mom can get the quality care she deserves. With all the home care companies out there, making the right decision isn’t easy. If you’re still unsure how to get started, this handy guide should make the selection process more rewarding for everyone involved.
Seek Referrals from Trusted Sources
Sometimes, knowing where to find home care companies is half the battle. Ask your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relatives for referrals if you have never used an agency before. If you live in another part of the country, a quick Google search can pull up the names and contact information for home care companies in Mom’s community.
Research Each Provider’s Services
Initially, your mother may only need a little help performing activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, or food preparation. But if she was recently diagnosed with a serious illness or dementia, it may take specialized care to maintain her independent lifestyle and quality of life.
Look for a provider that offers a full menu of in-home services, including dementia care, recovery care, transportation, and other amenities. It’s also a good idea to ask if the agency requires ongoing staff training and if their caregivers are certified per state requirements.
Read What Others Have to Say
In addition to referrals from trusted sources, you’ll also need to research what others say about each provider. Online reviews from clients and their families reveal much about an agency’s reputation, as do testimonials from current and former employees.
Reputable home care companies also conduct drug tests and extensive background checks on their employees, including criminal and driving records. While you’re at it, check to see if the agency meets all federal and state certification requirements. Have they received any industry awards in recognition of their achievements?
Determine How Much It Will Cost
Contrary to what you might think, Medicare does not cover elective home care services like personal care or homemaker services. While your choice of an in-home care provider should not exclusively hinge on price, it will inevitably play a role. First, determine how much Mom can afford based on her monthly budget.
In most cases, the cost of care relies on the number of hours the caregiver spends with their client, along with the type of services they provide. Before making your choice, research each company’s hourly rates, as well as how much they charge for daily and overnight visits.
Conduct Caregiver Screening Interviews
Once you’ve narrowed your provider search to two or three candidates, you’ll need to progress to the interview phase. Schedule a screening interview for your loved one with each potential caregiver to ensure that their personality and work ethic align with yours.
During the interview, be sure to ask the supervisor for references from previous clients, along with proof of insurance and other certifications. This is also the perfect time to discuss your loved one’s care plan and how the agency would adapt to their changing needs.
Other questions you should ask include:
- What’s your backup plan in the event of an emergency or illness?
- Will the primary caregiver be providing most of the care?
- How do you measure the competency and performance of your caregivers?
- How do you determine if a caregiver is a good fit for a client?
- Do you conduct periodic drug tests on your employees?
- Is a registered nurse (RN) or equivalent case manager available 24/7?
Your Trusted Senior Home Care Partner in Elkhart, IN
Finding aging loved ones a trustworthy and reputable home care provider can be frustrating. Senior1Care is your trusted partner in providing quality, compassionate home care services to seniors living in Elkhart, Dunlap, Jamestown, and Goshen, IN. Our experienced caregivers are trained to deliver professional, reliable care in the same respectful and friendly manner that they would treat their own family members.
At Senior1Care, we understand that having a caregiver in your loved one’s home is a decision that requires trust. Our goal is to build relationships with clients by listening to their needs and providing the highest level of quality care possible. We are committed to helping your loved ones maintain their well-being, independence, and comfort. To learn more about our flexible caregiving options or schedule a FREE assessment for a senior in the greater Elkhart, IN, area, visit us by clicking here now.
