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Home care improves the quality of life for the recipients and often
allows people who might otherwise need a higher level of care to
remain in their current living situation. Home Care is provided
to people who live in:
•
Their own homes
•
Assisted living facilities
•
Personal care homes
•
Nursing homes
•
Retirement communities
In an effort to ensure safety for people during a very vulnerable
time in their lives, most states now have regulation and or licensure
requirements for Private Home Care Providers (agencies that do not
provide care reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid). In the early
1990s Personal Care was a leader in petitioning the State of Georgia
to legislate industry standards for private home care companies.
In Georgia it is now possible to confirm a company’s licensure and
track record of complaints by logging onto the Georgia
Department of Human Resources website.
The following is a guideline to help you evaluate a home care agency.
Professionalism
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How is the telephone answered?
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Do you talk to a machine or a person?
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Will the agency provide references for you to check?
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Who owns the company?
•
Do you have access to the owners?
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Are the personnel employed or contracted?
•
Are the personnel insured and bonded?
•
Does the agency handle all billing and payroll issues?
•
Is the agency licensed?
•
How long has the agency been in business?
Client
Support
•
Is there a nurse available to answer medical questions?
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What are the office hours?
•
What if you have an emergency after office hours?
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How is care monitored?
Staff Support Information
•
How does the agency select and train caregivers?
•
Does the agency provide ongoing training and supervision?
•
Who supervises the caregivers?
•
What type of benefits does the agency provide for
its nursing assistants?
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Click to read:
Facts of Aging Quiz
Quiz Answers
Family Emergency Preparedness!
Personal Care Home Safety Tips
Points to Ponder
Housing Options for Older Adults
Selecting a Home Care Agency
Stroke Prevention Tips
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