Choosing home care services for a loved one is a big decision. Whether it’s for an elderly parent, a relative with a disability, a child, or someone recovering from illness, the care provider you choose will affect their health, comfort, and daily life.
This article will walk you through what to look for when picking the right care for your loved one. You’ll learn how to find a trustworthy agency, what services are available, and how to make sure the care fits your loved one’s needs.
Key Takeaways
- A clear care plan starts by knowing your loved one’s daily needs and any medical or support requirements.
- The right type of care depends on whether your loved one needs basic help or skilled medical services.
- A good agency offers trained caregivers, runs background checks, and holds proper licenses and certifications.
- Reviews, insurance details, and a home visit help confirm if the agency fits your family’s needs and comfort.
Know What Your Loved One Needs
The first step is figuring out what type of care your loved one needs every day.
Some people need help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and eating. Others may also need medical care, such as wound care, medication support, or help with health problems like diabetes.
If your loved one has special care needs, like dementia, mobility issues, or mental health concerns, make sure the care plan includes these. This may mean hiring a home health aide or getting skilled nursing care.
Some people may also need help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, or using medical equipment.
A clear care plan helps the home care provider know exactly what to do.
Understand the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care
Home care services usually help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and personal care. Home health care services include medical care from licensed professionals like nurses or therapists. This can include physical therapy, injections, and skilled nursing care.
If your loved one just needs help around the house, home care might be enough. But if they need medical care, you’ll want a home health care provider who works with doctors and nurses.
If you’re not sure which to choose, a health care provider or care management team can help you decide.
Check if the Agency Is Medicare-Certified or Medicaid-Approved
If your loved one uses Medicare or Medicaid to pay for care, the agency must meet certain rules. Medicare only pays for services from Medicare-certified home health agencies. Medicaid also has strict requirements in New York.
The agency should know how to work with both programs and help you understand what’s covered. Some home care agencies even help with Medicaid applications.
This can save you a lot of time and stress.
Ask What Services the Agency Provides
Different agencies offer different types of services.
Some only offer non-medical support, while others provide skilled nursing care, hospice care, or full-time in-home care services.
Choose an agency that can adjust to your loved one’s changing needs.
For example, they might need more medical care over time. The agency should be able to adjust the care plan and offer services like senior care, personal care, or even end-of-life support if needed.
Ask About Caregiver Background Checks and Training
It’s important to trust the people caring for your loved one. Ask the agency if they do background checks and what kind of training their caregivers get.
- Are the caregivers certified?
- Do they know how to help people with specific needs?
A good home care agency should only hire skilled caregivers who pass background checks and keep up with their certifications. This shows they care about safety and the quality of care.
Make Sure the Caregiver Is a Good Match
The right caregiver isn’t just someone with the right skills.
They should also connect with your loved one. Some seniors prefer lay caregivers who speak their language or share their culture. This can make your loved one feel more relaxed and happy.
Agencies that offer good caregiver matches can improve your loved one’s well-being and help them feel less lonely. This can be especially helpful for senior care or long-term care.
Check for Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditation
Only choose a licensed and accredited home care agency.
In New York, home care providers must be licensed by the state. But you can also look for agencies that are accredited by national groups. These agencies are checked often to make sure they follow rules and provide quality care.
This is important if your loved one needs skilled nursing or other medical care at home.
Understand What Insurance Covers
Before you choose an agency, check what your loved one’s health insurance or long-term care insurance covers.
- Medicaid may cover personal care and other support, but not every type of medical equipment or service.
- Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing or therapy, but not long-term help with daily tasks.
Ask the agency to explain what services are covered and what’s not. A good agency will help you figure out what kind of help your loved one qualifies for.
Read Reviews and Talk to Others
Ask family members, neighbors, or friends if they can recommend a home care provider. You can also look up reviews online or ask the agency for referrals.
Try to find out if the agency is dependable, respectful, and quick to respond when something goes wrong.
Good reviews and happy families are often a sign of a trustworthy agency.
Schedule a Consultation at Home
Before you choose an agency, ask for an in-home consultation. A care coordinator or health care professional will visit your home, meet your loved one, and talk about your care options.
This is your chance to ask questions.
- How do they handle emergencies?
- Can they send a backup caregiver if someone calls out?
- Do they offer care management to adjust services over time?
Use this visit to see if the agency feels right for your family.
Get Help Choosing the Right Home Care Services in NYC
Friends & Family Home Care is here to support you. We help families across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Westchester find the right care for their loved ones.
As a Department of Health-approved agency, we offer a wide range of services, from personal care and light housekeeping to skilled nursing and hospice care.
Our caregivers are fully trained, background-checked, and matched to your loved one’s needs. We can also help you understand health insurance coverage and create a care plan that works for your family.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help your family navigate this important decision.
