A home healthcare agency is a facility that offers medical and non-medical services to people who need them in the comfort of their homes. Home health care is especially advantageous for the elderly, people recovering from illness or injury, people living with chronic health conditions, and disabled individuals.
When it comes to home healthcare agencies, you might have plenty of choices, and choosing one that allows you to feel safe, comfortable, and independent can be challenging for you. To give you a head start, here are some tips for choosing the right home healthcare for you and your loved ones.
Tip #1 Know Your Needs
The first and foremost step in picking a home healthcare agency is knowing the needs of the person who needs care and assistance from home healthcare. Before you start looking into the home healthcare providers in your area, you need to determine which services you or your loved one will require.
You or your loved one may need assistance with activities of daily living, at-home rehabilitation therapy, companionship, medical, nursing, social services, and hospice care.
Tip #2 Research Online
Take advantage of the internet to look for home healthcare that provide the home healthcare services you are looking for. Simply open your browsers, such as Google or Bing, and type “home healthcare agency” along with the name of your area. The search engine will generate a list of home health care agencies in your specified location, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and a link to their websites.
Tip #3 Get Recommendations
When looking for a home healthcare, ask for referrals and recommendations from your doctors, family members, and friends. Personal referrals and recommendations can provide valuable insight into the quality of care provided by different home healthcare agencies.
Tip #4 Verify the Certification of Agency and Credentials of the Staff
When picking a home healthcare agency, consider if Medicare certifies it. A home healthcare agency that is certified by Medicare is required to meet federal standards for safety and quality. To verify the Medicare certification of a healthcare agency, visit the Medicare website or contact your local Medicare office.
You should also verify the license and credentials of doctors, rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and other home healthcare provider staff.
Tip #5 Check the Reputation of the Home Healthcare Agency
Before you pick a home healthcare provider, it is a good idea to research and find out what other people who have received care from the same agency think. Ensure to talk to the current care recipients or check the online reviews and testimonials.
Tip #6 Visit the Home Healthcare Agency
Last but not least, visit a home healthcare company in person if it is possible. During your visit, gather firsthand information about the services offered at the agency and evaluate their suitability for your or your loved one’s needs. It’s also a good idea to assess the communication style and responsiveness of staff.
Home Healthcare Agency in Pennsylvania
If you think your loved one require support and assistance from home healthcare services, look no further than home health care services offered at Advantage. We are a Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that maintains a 5-star patient satisfaction rate and addresses the medical, rehabilitation, and social needs of patients of all ages.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with us, please contact our staff today at (844) 275-2205 or use our convenient online information request form.
