Navigating the maze of Home Care

How do you decide who cares for you or your loved ones?
Where do you turn to for information? Who do I ask?
How do you know if you will be receiving a professional and compassionate service?
I don't want to go into a nursing home, is there an alternative?

A large proportion of our enquiries are from clients or families that are confused about the home care system. Choosing your home care provider is important and making sure the company providing the care is professional, compassionate and trustworthy is essential for peace of mind.

As part of Home Instead's 'Home Care Solutions' guide we have formulated 18 crucial questions to ask a home care service provider when making your decision:

1. Do you employ your own carers?
2. How have your carers been trained?
3. By whom and what is the extent of their training?
4. Does the CAREGiver training include Dementia and Alzheimer's Training?
5. Is there continuous education of the CAREGivers?
6. How do you screen carers prior to employment (i.e. reference checks, criminal background checks etc.)?
7. Do you provide insurance for each carer?
8. Do you visit the client at home to set up services?
9. Can I choose the time and day the carer will visit?
10. Will I get the same carer visiting each time?
11. Can you guarantee back-up or replacement carers?
12. Can I change carer if they are not compatible?
13. Do I have to decide what services will provide in advance or can I decide at the time of the visit?
14. Can I contact you 24/7? Will the phone be answered for immediate action?
15. Do you provide services in the evenings, weekends and overnight?
16. Do you have a recognised quality assurance program?
17. Do you manage the client's care needs and will you identify and coordinate additional services if required?
18. Do you communicate with family to keep them informed?

This list of questions sorts the sheep from the goats! The key is that you and your loved one should have CHOICE. The service should be flexible, client centered and professional. 

You don't want just anybody turning up to your house or your parents house to assist them, you want to make sure that the ladies and men helping you or your family are dedicated, well trained and responsible.

For more information on 'Home Care Solutions' please click on the link below:

http://homeinstead.com.au/guide-care-solutions-older-persons.html