Choosing the Right In-Home Care Agency: Four Qualities Not to Miss
Shopping around for senior in-home care can certainly be overwhelming. From the small, mom-and-pop type of agencies, to the large, nationally accredited chain companies, the options are endless. How do you choose the best option? What questions should you ask when interviewing agencies? Do you stick strictly to the numbers and choose the cheapest option because you think they’re all pretty much the same? How can you be sure your aging loved one will be well taken care of from a brief interview? Whether you are in need of temporary in-home care after a short-term rehabilitation or hospital stay, or you’re looking for more assistance on an ongoing basis, here are four qualities not to miss when considering your senior in-home care options.
Variety of Provided Services
Before you begin the in-home care search, take a step back and consider what assistance services you need. Do you need assistance with hygiene, such as bathing or dressing? Do you need help managing your medication or reminders to take your medication? Perhaps you struggle with meal planning and preparation and having someone to assist you with this would ensure you receive proper nutrition. Have you recently had a hospital stay and you’re nervous about recuperating alone at home? Do you just want someone to keep you company throughout the week while your family is busy with work or kids? Do you need just a little help now but are concerned about needing more help in the future? Name your challenges and then look for an in-home care agency that meets your needs. Also consider an agency that can meet your needs as they change over time. Agencies that can accommodate a variety of senior care needs means that you can stick with the same company over the years, which benefits both you and the company.
Longevity in the Community
Another quality to be aware of when interviewing in-home care agencies is how long the company has served the area. As mentioned above, there are a wealth of in-home care agencies to choose from. Some are new and some have been around for many years. Newer companies have not had the opportunity to establish themselves in the market. While this is not necessarily bad, more established companies come with stronger references. More established companies have also had the time to work out any of the kinks that come with opening a new company, such as how to train new employees or how to communicate effectively with clients. Take note of how long the company has been serving the community when reading reviews and researching options.
Approach to Caregivers
When looking at in-home care agencies, the most important team member is the actual caregiver. After all, this person will be responsible for taking care of your needs and ensuring your safety and well-being. The office and support staff are certainly important to the company, but the caregivers are essentially the lifeline of the company. Take note of how the caregivers are treated within the company. Does the company require background checks and ongoing screenings? What does the company do to onboard a new caregiver? How does the company monitor their caregivers? What sort of ongoing training does the company offer caregivers? How are caregivers matched with clients? Look for an agency that highly values their caregivers and you’ll find an agency that understands senior care.
Upfront Honesty
Finally, as you interview agencies, look for a company that is honest with you. Ask if you can talk with a current client and their family to get a different perspective on the company. Do you own research and read online reviews of the company. Mention any reviews that may have left a bad impression during your interview and get the company’s perspective. Some in-home care companies may try to hide a bad review or throw the client under the bus for a poor review. Honest companies will address the review and share how they resolved the issue. Remember, in-home care agencies send caregivers, who are essentially strangers, to your home in order to care for your personal needs. You want to choose a company that is honest from the start, including honesty about pricing, staffing, and how they address concerns from their clients and families.
Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond understands that choosing an in-home care agency is overwhelming and exhausting. We’re here to help you navigate the options. We pride ourselves in being open and honest. We only hire caregivers that have a passion for serving the senior population and display a compassionate demeanor. We offer a variety of senior care services that can be adapted over time, as your needs change over time. We recognize the no two of our clients are the same and strive to create a plan of care that is customized to each client’s individual needs. We would love to have a conversation with you about your in-home care needs and how we can meet them. Please give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.