We all need a little bit of help sometimes, but the challenge can be sorting through & identifying the good guys.  It is my hope that this short article & the attached informational flyer will provide you with the tools to facilitate a successful journey.  

While there are many home care agencies in existence these days that offer similar services, it is the differences from one company to the next that should be considered when navigating through the selection process.  Please invest a little bit of time on the front end of your journey and come away with a genuine sense of confidence in the choices that were made. Meeting expectations is good, but when it comes to caring for those we love, isn’t it important to exceed expectations?

It probably seems obvious, “a no-brainer” of sorts, to look at providers that have been in the home health industry for a number of years, are licensed, bonded & insured as well as have a proven record of quality customer service.  Well, that could not be more critical, especially when it comes to inviting people into your lives and your home.  A proven track record & how a company values their employees can speak volumes in terms of credibility.

How does the agency recruit, screen, hire & train their professional caregivers?  Clearly, there are laws & regulations in place to help direct minimum requirements with regard to this aspect of home care, but what else does the company do?  How do they go above & beyond?  Will they schedule caregiver interviews for new clients?  What happens if the agency’s caregiver were to become injured while on duty in your home?  Does the agency utilize subcontractors versus actual employees? Are the agency’s caregivers covered by worker’s compensation & liability insurance?

Clearly, the economy is a factor in many of our decisions.  The key is to find a realistic balance between quality service, safety & cost.  There are so many incredible resources at your disposal so never hesitate to ask questions & please keep in mind that knowledge is power.  The best defense against potential “bad guys” is a really creative offense.

The following are a list of important questions to ask when selecting a home health care agency provided by Arcadia Home Care & Staffing.

http://www.arcadiahealthcare.com/pdfs-loc/StPetersburg/choosing-a-home-care-agency.pdf

Tags: arcadia, caregiving, elder care, health care agency