Top 5 Qualities to Look for in a Home Care Agency
With so many home care agencies available, it can be difficult for a family to narrow down their options when planning for their senior loved one’s care. Yet one thing quickly becomes clear: no two home care agencies are alike, and there can be significant differences between the types of care options each one offers. While certain things are obviously important, such as continuous caregiver training, other characteristics can make an agency stand out from the rest. The following list details the top five qualities of good home care agencies. These qualities demonstrate a commitment to go above and beyond for the families they serve.
1. Health-Targeted Services
Families who have aging loved ones with specific conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s know home care must be tailored to fit their loved ones’ abilities and temperaments. A high-quality home care agency will have caregivers who understand how to assist seniors with a compassionate approach that takes into account their changing needs while encouraging independence.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Home Care. Oklahoma City families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Management of Employee Compensation
One of the greatest differences among home care agencies is how they manage employee compensation should an unusual circumstance arise. An excellent agency will have a contingency plan established in advance to make sure accidental injury coverage, insurance, taxes, and other aspects of employee compensation are covered so families can enjoy full peace of mind when it comes to their loved ones’ care.
3. Flexible Scheduling Arrangements
Home care needs can vary among families. Some seniors only need a few hours of care a week, while others need live-in caregivers. Ideally, a home care agency will have flexible scheduling arrangements in place that can cover any needs that arise.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and Dementia Care. Oklahoma City seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable dementia caregivers.
4. Personalized One-on-One Matching System
While most home care agencies will conduct background screenings and train their caregivers, a high-quality agency will go above and beyond by offering personalized matching services. Through this process, families can get to know prospective caregivers and even arrange for trial visits to make sure their loved ones are comfortable with the caregivers’ personalities and caregiving styles.
5. Accountability Checks to Ensure Satisfaction
Caregivers who are late or don’t show up at all are more than just an annoyance. They can create a serious safety issue for a senior’s health. A high-quality home care agency should have an accountability system in place, such as requiring a check-in call upon the caregiver’s arrival at a senior’s home and a follow-up call before the caregiver leaves. Care Managers should also be on staff to ensure any problems that arise are handled promptly so families can continue to benefit from reliable care.
When researching agencies that provide home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Lifestar Home Care. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call today at 405.286.0388.