|
Choosing the Right Home
Health Agency
In order to
determine the kind of Health Agency that meets your needs, you should ask
yourself the following key questions...
- How long has the agency been serving the community?
- Is the agency certified by Medicare?
- Is the agency licensed, if required by your state?
- Is the agency accredited?
- Does the agency provide literature explaining its
services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources?
- How does the agency select and train its employees?
- Are the agency's nurses or therapists required to
evaluate the patient's home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Are
the patient's family and physicians consulted?
- Is the patient's course of treatment documented,
detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional
caregiver? Is a copy of the plan given to the patient and family and
updated as changes occur?
- Does the agency assign supervisors to oversee the
quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? Whom can you call
with questions or complaints? How are problems followed up and resolved?
- Does the agency educate patients and families on
the type of care that is being provided?
- What is the agency's financial procedure? Does it
provide written statements that explain all the costs and payment plan
options associated with home care?
- Are the agency's caregivers available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week?
- Does the agency review your rights and
responsibilities? How do they ensure patient confidentiality?
|
