What questions should I ask during an in-home care consultation?

In-home care has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, and it's often seen as a more attractive option than relocating to a care facility. So, you've decided to establish some in-home care to provide assistance to you or a loved one. What comes next? 

When meeting with an in-home caregiver and formulating a plan for success, it's important to establish a trusting relationship with your caregiver. There are many services available to you, and you want to be sure you are choosing the best options for your situation. 

Get to know your caregiver

Caregivers range in training and capabilities, and it is best for your peace of mind to go over any specific training that will benefit your loved one's needs. For example, when seeking care for a loved one with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, it is imperative that this caregiver is specially trained to deal with the issues that arise in memory-related illness and the specific care that benefits these situations. 

You may ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with the staff you are hiring. Aside from specific training, it can also be helpful to ask how many years of experience this caregiver has for your own peace of mind. Some other staff-related questions suggested by the AARP might be:

• Does the agency conduct background checks on all staff?
• Who supervises the staff?
• Do the same staff members attend to a client, or do they rotate among different clients?
• What is the procedure if a staff person doesn't show up?
• Can you request a different staff person to provide care if you are unhappy with the worker the agency sent?
• Are the staff bonded (insured against theft or loss to a home) through the agency?

The last question can be especially helpful if you are uneasy about the thought of a newcomer having access to your home. Visiting Angels Crystal Lake is a bonded, licensed and insured senior home care agency. Our caregivers will be happy to tell you about our comprehensive interview and screening process. 

Quality of care

Through testimonials and client interactions, in-home caregivers can measure how successful they've been at providing the highest quality of care. Agencies, however, should be measuring and recording results effectively as well. Some agencies conduct regular inspections to see that care receivers' needs are being met, and some agencies measure patient satisfaction through a third-party survey company. Either way, they should be able to provide you with up-to-date results on how they've measured their client success.

Some questions related to quality concerns include:

• Does the agency have references or satisfaction reports for itself and its staff?
• Does staff receive ongoing training beyond initial training?
• Does the agency have quality-of-care standards and a plan or program to maintain and improve quality?
• How often does staff communicate with family members, and by what means (written report, phone call, etc.)?
• What kind of system is there to receive client problems or complaints and resolve them?

Costs

Caregiving is a near full-time service for many, and with that amount of assistance comes the associated costs. For many people over 65, Medicare is a key funding source for medical benefits. It's common to ask how much of that might apply to in-home care. Depending on any diagnosis that your loved one has received, Medicare coverage can vary between short-term and long-term. However, Medicare will only pay toward medically necessary care, so caregivers should not be officially hired until you are aware of the out-of-pocket costs you will face.

Questions that may apply to discussions on cost include:

• Are there deposits, fees, or extra costs besides those charged for each service?
• Does the agency reduce fees for people who can't pay for all their care themselves?
• When did the agency last increase its costs, and by how much?
• How often does the agency bill for costs? Does it bill Medicare or the insurance company directly?
• Are all cost and payment expectations in writing?
• Is there a contract you can review before deciding? 

Feel confident in your decision

These important questions are designed to help you feel comforted and satisfied in your decision to better your loved one's daily life and health. Visiting Angels caregivers are experienced professionals who understand the importance of providing care with dignity and respect. We'll work closely with your family to provide optimal care while providing regular feedback on your loved one's well-being, so you are always in the loop. 

Visiting Angels Crystal Lake offers caregiving services in Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and the surrounding areas to assist with a wide range of in-home assistance. From elderly companion care to dementia care to end-of-life care, Visiting Angels caregivers can be present to benefit any phase of an aging adult's health journey. Schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how in-home caregivers can improve the quality of life for you or a loved one. Reach out today to learn more at (815) 479-0312.