Senior Care Resources

Selecting a Home Health Care Agency

The following is recommended to help you evaluate home health care agencies. You should be able to ask questions to determine whether an organization meets these important standards.

• Patient Rights are explained and observed at all times.
• Confidentiality is assured and maintained at all times.
• Ongoing professional assessment begins with the agency's first encounter with the patient/family and is continuous.
• Services are available and supervised 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Professional nursing is available at all times.
• Planning for care includes the patient, family, physician and home care team.
• Community resources are accessed appropriately.
• Infection control processes are in place and monitored.
• Patient and staff safety systems are in place and monitored.
• Discharge planning involves the patient/family and includes instruction for self-care or alternate care arrangements.
• Employees are screened, bonded, supervised by a nurse or social worker, and held accountable to the agency.
• Insurance is adequate for employee, agency and patient protection.
• Staff Competency is evaluated and upgraded constantly.
• Staff is provided with adequate resources to deliver quality and safe patient care.
• Supervisory support and guidance is available at all times.
• Billing Practices are ethical, consistent, fair and explained at admission.

Remember, it’s your right to ask probing questions. Always get references from your doctors or friends.

ARE YOU PREPARED

Advance Directive
Information about living wills, advance directives and durable power of attorney.

Home Safety Tips
Plan for a complete guide to help you prepare for an environmental disaster, such as a tornado or flood.

Family Disaster
Suggestions to make your home safe for you, your family and your friends who visit. Valuable information is contained for families caring for elderly or disabled persons.