How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

You’ve received a list—now what do you do with it? Once you acquire the names of several agencies, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations. The first thing to do is select the type of agency you need. Listed below are some brief definitions, followed by a checklist of questions to ask and what answers to listen for.

Definitions

• Medicare Home Health agency: A Medicare agency is licensed by the State of IL Department of Public Health. It provides 2 or more skilled services under a physician’s orders. Its services are usually reimbursed by medicare and/or private insurance.
• Registry/employment or placement agency: A registry is licensed by the IL Department of Labor and is NOT the caregivers’ employer. ALL liability rests with the client. When this type of agency says it’s licensed and bonded, it is NOT referring to its caregivers but only to its agency license. BE CAREFUL! You will be responsible for all background checks, supervision, liability and worker’s compensation insurance, taxes, relief workers, etc.
• Private duty home care agency: This is a company that provides private pay services such as personal care and support services. Some agencies also offer nursing services. There is currently no license available so it is very important that the agency belongs to either the National Private Duty Association or the National Association of Home Care Private Duty Association.
• Other: Other types of home care services include Durable Medical Equipment companies, Respiratory Therapy companies, Home Rehabilitation services, etc. Your doctor will nearly always recommend a specific company should you need these special services.

Questions

• What type of home care services do you provide?
  LifeStyle Options, Inc. provides hourly or live in care. Levels of care include Home Care Professional (companionship, personal care, meals, housekeeping), Certified Nursing Assistant (In addition to the duties of a Home Care Professional, a Certified Nursing Assistant is trained to provide some medical assistance including skin care, transferring, vital signs) and nursing (LPN and RN).
• Is your agency affiliated with any of the associations listed above?
  Yes. In addition, we are a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau, Life Services Network, American Society on Aging, and other professional organizations.
• Has your agency received any other accreditations or awards?
  Yes. We have received the Better Business Bureau ‘Complaint Free Award’ every year. We are also LSN Seal of Confidence award winners.
• How long has your company been in business?
  Since 1989. It is very easy to open a home care company however it is very difficult to stay in business providing good service year after year.
• Do you supply literature explaining your services and fees?
  Yes. We are happy to send you brochures and rate sheets; please contact us to request them.
• How do you select and train your employees? Do you protect your workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages, and malpractice insurance?
  We not only require our caregivers to speak English but we also perform careful background checks including references and criminal background checks. Most importantly, we look for individuals who have a passion for making a difference.
• Do you include the client and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?
  Our clients and all related parties are critical in setting up a customized plan of care. Once the plan is established our exclusive “CareCalls” communication system makes certain the plan is always up to date.
• Do you assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? Who can we call with questions or complaints?
  LifeStyle Options, Inc. offers free care conferences to set up services as well as routine supervisory visits. Our FREE help line is available to our clients and families 24/7.
• What are the financial procedures of your agency? Do you furnish written statements explaining all of the costs? What type of guarantee do you offer?
  You will see a written invoice that details the days and hours care was provided. Additionally, we offer the strongest guarantee in the industry - 100% satisfaction guaranteed!.

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E-mail us at lifestyle@lifestyleoptions.com