There are many reasons why you might need the assistance of a home health care professional. Whether you or a loved one are recovering from surgery, suffering a serious illness or in the later stages of a terminal disease, having in-home assistance can be a great help. Many options are available including registered nurses (RN's) who strictly provide nursing care, therapists who help someone recover mobility, and household assistance that provides chores such as cleaning and cooking. When you're looking for a home health care professional you can either enlist the aid of an agency or hire an individual. Knowing what questions to ask and what to look for is important to ensure the patient receives the proper care. First, ask whether or not they're state certified. Most states require specific certification for in-home health care. Certification through Medicare to meet federal requirements for safety and health standards is also important. If they're not certified, ask why. It's also important to find out how they screen their employees. When you're inviting someone not only into your home but to stay in your home for extended periods, you need to know they can be trusted. Many agencies run background checks and require drug testing. References are very useful and should come not only from private homes but also from professionals such as doctors and hospital discharge employees. In fact, when you're dealing with a situation where you know you'll need at-home care, ask your doctor or hospital representative for recommendations. There are also licensing requirements. Find out whether they're accredited. The Joint Commission is an example of an agency that evaluates and accredits home health care groups. If they're accredited through some governing agency, ask to see the results of the most recent survey. If you're not familiar with the agency, research who they are, how long they've been around and what their own qualifying credentials are. Individual aides and nurses should also have the appropriate credentials. Find out what training they've had including potential licensing and certification and whether they're current on their CPR and First Aid certifications. Again, ask for references. Don't hesitate to ask for proof to check if they are who they claim to be and as talented as they bill themselves. You're entrusting them with your loved one's care, so make sure they're qualified. Finally, make sure the quality of care they provide is up to your standards and needs. If you're dealing with an agency, find out what hiring process they use and what training they require. Continuing education is another important factor to consider. Your individual caregiver should be licensed and insured, but don't just assume they are. Make sure you ask. Find out if there is a supervisor you can talk to, and ask them how they evaluate their nursing team. Also asking about their own standards for home health care is a good way of gauging if you're going to receive the necessary services. If the employees you deal with during the process of hiring an aide or nurse do not seem friendly and courteous, that does not bode well for the agency itself. The representatives you talk to should be personable and helpful, and you should be comfortable dealing with them. And, of course, you and your loved one should be completely at ease with your chosen nurse. Taking the time to find someone you like is worth the trouble. Your nurse will be with you during some of the most stressful times of your life, so make sure you ask plenty of questions and receive answers that fit your needs. Research your options for home health care Grand Rapids, MI to find a professional who you can trust. Visit the link here to view Clark Retirement Community: http://www.clarkretirement.org/clarkathome/home_care.php.
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