The following article was originally published in the Fall 2005 Quarterly Newsletter produced by Premier Homecare Services. This post is part of the blog’s “Newsletter Series” .

Finding care doesn’t have
to be a stressful process

At home is where we feel most comfortable. Many of our memories with friends and family are in the home and time and time again we hear that home is where seniors wish to remain. If you or your loved one is not yet ready to move out into a retirement community or long-term care facility, home care assistance is a helpful and serious option to consider.

There are many decisions to be made when assisting your loved one in determining what care options are the best for everyone involved.

Communicating with home care agencies/providers can sometimes be a long and frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some suggestions to help make finding the right provider easier. Being prepared with the right questions and attitude can help smooth the transition to home care for yourself or a parent.

Tips on dealing with
a home care agency:

• Have a diary/notebook handy. Write down a list of questions to ask each home care agency so that you can do a comparison across the board. Ask yourself: What are the priorities for having home care? What are our preferences for care? What is a realistic price range? Are they available 24/7 for emergencies?
• Record the name of the person you were speaking with, note your impressions. Did they answer your questions appropriately? Were they helpful and friendly? Did they offer to send you additional information or resources on their services or did they direct you to their website?
• Ask your questions and prepare to invest time in getting your questions answered. Take notes.
• Be specific about your situation, your concerns and priorities for care. Typically the more details you can communicate, the easier it is for the home care provider to understand what would be the best way to assist you.
• Meeting for an interview or an assessment is beneficial; this gives you an opportunity to ask questions in more detail, and for the provider to clarify their services. A good home care company should also ensure they are personalizing the services to each situation, what we call a care plan. Will they be available 24/7 to fill emergency schedules if needed? You can invite other family members or power’s of attorney to be present. Involve your parent in the decision making if possible.
• Share a laugh, you are not alone! Many people are in similar situations, and having a positive outlook makes the transition easier for everyone.

Other Blog Articles in
the “Newsletter Series”:

Shaping Cultural Views towards Dying and Grief (Feb. 25, 2010)
Coming Home after Hospitalization: What to Expect (Dec. 3, 2010)

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