How to select the best homecare agency for your loved one
Watching your loved ones get older and be unable to care for themselves is difficult. It is incredibly challenging if you are the one who has to care for them and is struggling to improve their quality of life.
Despite your best efforts, you may feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of taking care of someone and providing the quality of care they deserve but being unable to do so. One of the main causes of such issues is the disparity in needs between their loved ones, which makes it difficult to find suitable homecare services.
Fortunately, there are many care providers on the market, but whether they all provide high-quality care must be determined. So, in this article, we'll give you some important things to think about before hiring a homecare agency.
1. Look into the agency's reputation
The first step in selecting a homecare agency is conducting extensive research. It is critical to select a homecare agency with a good reputation in the community and among healthcare professionals. Social media accounts will reveal how they treat homecare patients and their families. Are they respectful, supportive, and understanding?
You can also go to the NHS's National Homecare Providers page, which has a list of homecare providers and health services.
2. References and recommendation
One of the best ways to find a reputable homecare agency is to seek recommendations from the loved one's GP or other healthcare professionals.
You can always read online reviews and ratings to learn what other people think about and have experienced with various agencies. Look for organisations that have a history of providing high-quality care.
Some local healthcare authorities or community services will make recommendations. These are useful as long as there is no vested interest or reward associated with them.
3. Consider the services offered
Make sure the homecare agency you choose offers the services your loved one needs, which might include personal care, medical care, or therapy services. It is also a good idea to look for an agency that can provide a range of services, as your loved one's needs may change over time. For example, if a family member has dementia, at first they might not need much help, but as the disease gets worse, they might need both medical and personal care.
When considering the services offered by different agencies, it is also important to think about your loved one's goals and preferences. For example, if your loved one wants to maintain their independence at home, you may want to look for an agency that offers services like transportation, running errands, etc. It is also good to have an idea about how the agency will communicate and coordinate with healthcare providers, including doctors and therapists, so as to ensure your loved one's needs are met.
4. Conduct an interview
You can always do research on the homecare agency itself by asking them questions. Find out how long the agency has been in the healthcare and homecare industries, what types of services they offer, and their hiring and training processes. You can also ask about the agency's policies and procedures, such as how they handle cancellations, substitutions, and replacements.
Some relevant interview questions are:
1. How will the homecare provider communicate with the patient's family?
2. What is the response plan for medical emergencies?
3. How do they resolve conflict between care staff and patients or their families?
4. How do they assist patients while using the restroom or performing physical therapy exercises?
5. Qualities of a carer
Another important aspect you need to consider before hiring a homecare service is the efficiency of the carers. You must understand their level of expertise in dealing with the client's various conditions. If you are having a hard time finding the best match for your family member, you can consider doing carer matching. This process is considered a useful tool in caregiving services, which may include the evaluation of the client's needs and the selection of a carer for them.
One of the advantages is that it allows clients to manage the selection process, after which they gain access to carer background information. In a way, it could give them the assurance that the carer they are going to choose is competent and efficient enough to look after their loved one's needs and health.
6. Communication
Communication is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of evaluating a homecare agency. Medical emergencies and other critical issues can occur at any time, so fast and reliable communication is a must. A homecare agency should have a plan for emergency contact procedures.
7. Reporting and oversight
If you don't report minor problems, they can grow into major problems. A homecare provider should have a reporting process for any potential issues.
You also have to check if these reports get the appropriate attention and response in a timely manner. If there is no oversight process, reports can be ignored or shuffled to the bottom of the priority list.
8. Certification and training
In the United Kingdom, each state has its own rules and regulations regarding homecare agency certification. This certification allows a homecare agency to provide domiciliary care to people in need. The UK's national regulators are:
1. The Care Inspectorate Wales
2. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England
3. The RQIA in Northern Ireland
4. The Care Inspectorate in Scotland
For homecare staff, the minimum training requirement is currently the Care Certificate.
Always double-check the expiration date on certificates and licences, too. They might be expired or about to expire without the homecare provider meeting the requirements for renewal.
9. Payment and cost
While choosing a homecare agency, it is important to check the feasibility. The homecare provider's service should be affordable and within your budget. Some insurance companies offer long-term care insurance. This insurance type provides healthcare coverage not provided by regular health insurance.
The overall cost of healthcare varies depending on the state, locality, and the patient's specific needs. You can, however, check the average price in your area for similar services to ensure that you're getting a fair deal.
10. Create a contract
Once you have found the right homecare service agency, it is time to create a contract. This should include information like the homecare agency's responsibilities, payment methods and rates, working hours, special needs, and more. It's also important to think about whether any family members or friends can help your loved one in other ways.
When creating a contract, make sure to thoroughly read and comprehend all terms. This will ensure that you receive high-quality care at a reasonable price. Some homecare service agencies, for example, offer discounts for long-term contracts or extended hours, while others may even provide additional services such as meal preparation or shopping assistance.
Nurses Group Homecare is the best care agency in Yeovil, UK. We understand the clients' needs and develop a care plan based on those needs. Visit our care services page to learn more about the various homecare services we offer.