Choosing a Home Health Agency: A How-to Guide

During a hospital discharge, people who require additional skilled care in the home are usually referred to a home health agency by the hospital discharge planner. But many consumers are finding that they need to hire home health on their own. Finding the right agency to take care of a loved one can be daunting, and often comes at a crisis point. Take a deep breath—it is possible to find a good agency, and good people to help work with those you love. This month I’m offering pointers to help you along the way.

Getting Started

Look to professionals or people you trust for recommendations as you begin your research. Word of mouth can be very helpful. Choose several agencies to speak with based on recommendation, geographical base and/or affiliation—whatever factors are most important to you. Draft a sheet with the same questions for each agency, leaving space after each item. Write everything down. Don’t trust your memory! Leave a space for your impressions too.

Here are some important questions to ask each agency:

• What is your hourly rate?
• Is the hourly rate based on a minimum (e.g., 12 hours, 24 hours)?
• What types of care do your fees cover?
• What geographical area do you cover?
• How long have you been in operation?
• How do you screen your workers?
• How soon can a worker begin?
• What credentials do your home health workers hold?
• Do you have a parent company?

Jot down your initial impressions of the following:

• Was the telephone answered in a reasonable amount of time?
• Do they seem interested and concerned? Did they listen?
• If they say they’ll call back, do they? How long does it take?
• Do they sound experienced?
• Does it “feel” like a match? Consider personality and situational factors.

After you have spoken with several home health agencies, it is time to narrow your list to your two or three favorites. Start with the one or two you have the best feeling about and continue your negotiations. Good luck! And...

Be well!

Arleen

Posted in Easing the Discharge Process, Geriatric Care Management, Hospital Discharge, How to Hire Homecare