When choosing a home care provider, it’s important to ask for references. Suitable references include doctors, discharge planners and other patients or their family members. Be sure to contact the references and ask questions such as:
- Do you refer clients to this provider often?
- Do you and the provider have a contractual relationship? If so, do you require that the provider meets special standards for quality care?
- What feedback have you received from patients under the care of this provider?
- Do you know if this provider has cared for people with conditions similar to those of my loved one? If so, can you provide me with contact information for these individuals?
To learn more about finding and choosing the right professional home care provider, visit the National Association for Home Care & Hospice.
The cost of care.
Of course, one of the factors you must consider in obtaining professional care for your loved one is the cost. Here is a link to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, which provides median costs for home care, assisted living care and nursing home care across the country.
