Due Dilligence When Hiring 24 Hour Care For A Loved One

When it comes time to hire 24-hour care for your loved one, it is important that you perform your due diligence. You want to make sure that you are hiring a service that can provide exactly what it is that your loved one needs in the way of medical care.

However, many people are not aware of the particular questions that they should ask when vetting a home health care agency. So, this list is designed to provide you with several questions you will want to ask. These questions will help you determine if the particular home health care agency will be a good fit.

What Sort of Medical Professionals Does the Agency Supply?

The first thing you need to do is determine what sort of medical professionals the agency will be able to supply. There are varying types of home health care professionals. You might only need a home health aid if your loved one is in good health and only needs assistance with cooking and cleaning. If, on the other hand, your loved one is in need of more assistance, then you will want to inquire about an LPN or an RN. These are two different types of nurses that you might need. A registered nurse is someone who is most appropriate for individuals who have the most severe needs. These might be loved ones who have recently undergone surgery and need wounds dressed or IVs started. An LPN is a more junior form of a nurse and has less formal education. They can be of assistance when there is less complicated treatment required.

Do They Credential Their Staff?

Another important question to ask is if the firm credentials their staff. You do not want to use an agency that does not make sure that all of their medical professionals are up to date with their credentials. This includes checking to see if they have a valid license and if there have been any disciplinary actions taken against them in the recent year. Other credentials will include a toxicology screen that tests for drug use as well as proof that they have had their vaccines (such as mumps, measles, and rubella).

How Do They Schedule The 24 Hour Care?

Nurses and other medical professionals have very hectic schedules. They might work at multiple hospitals and do per diem on their own time. This causes a great deal of scheduling difficulty. A good agency will have a dedicated coordinator that will handle that for you.