Seeking out a home care company that you feel comfortable with, and trust is understandably daunting. Naturally, you will want a company that can provide the very best home care services for your loved one, but how do you differentiate between all the companies out there? They all seem to offer similar services and state that they’re the best in the business. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!
Before considering any home care company, it’s best to prepare some information in advance that you can clearly relay to them i.e. medical condition of the person needing care and what type of services you think you need. You will also need a list of pertinent questions to ask to ensure the home care company can meet your needs and provide the level of care required for yourself or your loved one. Here are some in depth questions that you may want to consider…
About their company
- How long have you been in business and who owns the company.
- Can they provide references from current or past clients.
- Are they licensed, bonded, and insured.
- What makes their company different from others.
Services offered
- Do they offer the services you require, for example, personal care, companionship, medication management, etc.
- Can they provide assistance with activities of daily living such as toileting, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Do they offer specialized care for the condition your loved one has.
- Are their caregivers trained to handle medical emergencies.
Caregiver Screening and Training:
- Do they use their own team of caregivers or do they outsource to an agency.
- How do they screen caregivers, for example background checks, references, etc.
- What qualifications and training do their caregivers have.
- Do they provide ongoing training for their caregivers to keep their skills and qualifications up to date.
Care Plan and Assessment:
- Will there be an initial assessment to determine the level of care needed.
- Can the care plan be customized to suit your loved one’s needs.
- How often are care plans reviewed and adjusted.
Caregiver Matching and Consistency:
- Will you have the opportunity to meet and approve the caregiver before they start providing care.
- How do they match caregivers with clients, and can you request a change if needed.
- Is there consistency in caregiver assignments, or will different caregivers be rotated.
Supervision and Communication:
- How do they supervise the care provided by their caregivers.
- Who should you contact in case of questions or concerns, and how responsive are they to communications.
- Do they provide regular updates on the care provided.
Cost and Payment:
- What is their pricing structure, for example hourly rates, packages, etc.
- Are there additional fees for weekends, holidays, or specific services.
- Do they accept insurance or offer payment plans.
- Are you tied into any type of contract
Availability and Flexibility:
- How quickly can services be arranged.
- Are their services available 24/7 year-round.
- Can care schedules be adjusted if needed.
Emergency Protocols:
- What procedures are in place for handling emergencies.
- How do they communicate with family members in case of an emergency.
Client Rights and Responsibilities:
- What are the rights and responsibilities of clients and caregivers.
- How are complaints or grievances handled?
Closing thoughts…
This is an extensive list of questions which should be able to assist you in gathering the necessary information in order to shortlist some suitable home care companies. Having all the information at hand will empower you and of help you make an informed decision that you are happy with.
If you are considering using the services of a Home Care Company, why not consider Selectacare? For over 40 years, our family run business has been providing high quality, client-focused home care services in Toronto and across the GTA. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us today.