Finding The Right Home Healthcare Agency

Finding a loved one help with an elder care agency is often a good decision. It allows your loved one to receive round-the-clock healthcare while also bringing them into a mental and physical stimulation routine that will keep seniors happy and socially active. However, making that decision to locate the best healthcare agency is never an easy one. It is a process that can initially be fraught with anxiety, worry, and guilt. But, it doesn’t have to be. If handled properly, the route to finding the right care agency for your elderly loved one can be positive, constructive, and empowering. So, can your family navigate these tricky waters? Consider the following things:

Meet With Everyone– Before you even start looking for a Home Health Care company, it is important to sit down and talk with your family. Since they are the most important person in the conversation, find out everything that your loved one wants and expects from the agency. What is important to them? What do they desire? Aligning your elderly’s needs and desires and match them to a care agency that has the skills and resources is key. Since it’s a new transition for your loved one they may be feeling apprehensive about hiring a care agency. Involving them in this process will empower them and make them feel that they have control over their own lives. Talk to your elder’s health providers as well. They will be able to give recommendations on their daily health needs. You can’t find what you want unless you know what you are looking for.

Research Your Options– This is an extremely important decision; research it! Go online and read reviews and comments about different health care agencies. Look at it from every possible angle. Invite them to meet with you-in person so you can get a feel for their values, the staff, and the care services they offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Probe and ask until you know every possible detail. After all, it’s all about ensuring you hire only the care agency that is willing to go an extra mile.

Given the experience our Clients have at iCare Home Health, we can confidently say that your family becomes an extension of ours. We have written a post on when to know it’s time for home care. Read more here

Be Positive- Be positive and optimistic about the change. It is an opportunity to give better care to your loved one. If you want your elder to believe in this, you must believe as well. It is all about, creating a concrete plan moving forward to make the future as happy and fulfilled for the entire family. Your attitude will impact theirs, so embrace the change.

Follow-Up With Them- Once the agency has started, immediately follow up with your loved one on a regular basis. Find out if they are happy and if the agency is giving them everything that is promised. Don’t dismiss their concerns as ‘fear of change’; listen to what they have to say and address it. You want them to be happy; so ask them.

Spend Appropriate Time – Some elderly people fear that family will forget them once someone else takes over for their care. Go out of your way to show that this isn’t true. Ensue you take time to spend with your elderly and find creative ways to do so more often. Your loved one will cherish the conversations and always look forward to them.

Talk to the Agency- Don’t just follow up with your loved one; keep an open conversation with the health care agency. Make sure that they are fulfilling their roles and keeping their promises. Keep an open dialogue about your loved and ask to be kept in the loop regarding their care.

Even if you have no immediate plans to have a health care agency care for your loved one, you may want to start thinking about the future. At iCare Home Health Services, we offer packages and services that are geared for elderly care. We operate services in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Mississauga, and the Toronto area. Our packages include our ‘Nurse at Home’, ‘Personal Support at Home’ and ‘Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care at Home’ services. If you would like to discuss with us more about the option of health care agency, please contact us today!