6 Questions to Ask When Researching Home Care
Choosing the Right Home Care Agency: Key Considerations
Selecting a home care agency for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Quality care can greatly enhance the quality of life, while the wrong choice can lead to frustration, stress, and result in unnecessary transfers of care. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important process, which includes information that other agencies don't want you to know about.
1. Accreditation and Licensing
Ensure the agency is properly licensed and accredited by relevant state and national bodies. Accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or the National Institute for Home Care can signify adherence to high standards of care. All Washington State home care agencies should have a current IHS identification number, which is issued by the Department of Health and can be found here:
https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/facilitysearch/
(Be sure to select In Home Services Agency License on the drop-down menu)
Honey Healthcare’s license number is IHS.FS.61262521
2. Staff Qualifications
Inquire about caregiver qualifications. Look for agencies that employ trained, certified, and background-checked staff. Ask about ongoing training and whether the agency has a rigorous hiring process, requires work authorization, or how they vet their caregivers. The Department of Health does not vet work authorization when issuing credentials. Therefore, anyone without a crimincal record can become a caregiver. This means that seniors are at risk of having unauthorized personel in their home, which can lead to theft and abuse.
3. Availability and Flexibility
Consider the agency’s availability. Can they provide care on weekends, holidays, or during emergencies? Will they send in the same person regularly or will you meet someone new daily? Will they train their staff in detail or require you to? Flexibility in scheduling is crucial, especially if needs evolve over time. The last thing you need to worry about is meeting someone new on a daily basis and training them to your exact specifications, which is why Honey Healthcare’s Caregiver Match Program is so crucial.
4. Communication Practices
Effective communication is essential. Ensure that the agency has a clear process for reporting issues, updates on care plans, and how caregivers will communicate with family members. Regular management check-ins via phone call and in-person should be a part of their protocol.
5. Client Testimonials and Reviews
Look for negative reviews and testimonials from current or past clients. Online platforms, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals can provide insights into the agency’s reputation aand quality of service. Anyone can leave a Google review, but owners and paid-for reviews are less likely to leave a poor response.
6. Cultural Competence
If cultural background or language is important, consider whether the agency can accommodate specific preferences or needs. Culturally competent care can greatly enhance the comfort and well-being of the client.