- Interview several agencies.
- Get references and CHECK THEM.
- Make a list of services you want and ask the agency what it will cost.
- Ask what the steps are in the care planning and management process and how long each will take.
- Find out how and when you can contact the care manager.
- Find out if the agency has a system for sending a substitute (stand-in) aide if the regular one doesn't show up.
- Ask if the agency will replace the aide if that aide and the person in care do not get along.
- Ask about the skills and ongoing training of personnel.
- Ask how they keep track of the quality of services.
- Ask for the services needed by the person in care, even if the insurance company is trying to hold down costs.
- Be aware that if a social service agency is providing the care services, they may limit you to only the services that they provide.
- Ask them to tell you about any referral-fee agreements they may have with nursing homes or other care facilities.
- Know what you have to do to lodge complaints against the agency with the state ombudsman or long-term-care office.
- Get in touch with the local/state Division for Aging Services to check for complaints against a particular agency.
Things to Do Before Selecting an Agency
Excerpted from The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for CaregiversTM
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Thanks Maria and Paul, Really great suggestions. I would add just two quick ones though. -Find out how that care agency screens and background checks their employees. This is an often-overlooked area and we are often talking about medical care of a loved one. That is a big decision. -Do a little reading online. Does this agency, have a blog? What do they write about? How experienced and knowledgeable are they? If you have any more questions about screening, I hope that you will visit our in-home care/aging in place blog at http://www.rightathome.net/seniorhomecare. Keep up the great posts, Bill