Andrew Mann, managing director of Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care, lists nine things to think about when choosing a Home Care Provider for a loved one.
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It’s one of the hardest moments. Seeing this person that you love so dearly not being able to take care of themselves. The same person who at one stage looked after you, now needing you to look after them.
However, while you try to do your best, you know that between work, family and life, it’s just not possible to give them the care and attention they need and deserve. So, you’ve decided to look into Home Care for them so they can continue their life, their way, in their home… just with a little help.
I get a lot of friends and acquaintances asking for advice on what factors to look for when choosing a Home Care Provider for their loved one.
So many in fact, that I decided to put a list of potential questions to ask providers, to help you make a good decision.
- Are they established and experienced?
How long have they been in business? Do they have a proven track record? Who owns the company? Do they have testimonials from clients?
- Do they have any assurances of high quality service?
Do they use quality management systems? Are they monitored by third parties to ensure they are delivering a high quality service?
- Are the care staff and nurses all qualified?
Are they exceptional people you feel you can trust? What sort of training do they have? Do they continuously update their skills and qualifications? How are they vetted?
- What is the Evaluation Process like?
Do they meet with you and your loved one beforehand to discuss their goals, specific needs and requirements? Do they take the time to understand their background, culture and beliefs?
- Can they look after your loved one’s specific needs now and into the future?
What services do they offer? Does your loved one need special care with dementia, diabetes, pressure sores? Do they need some help with housekeeping and gardening? Do they need any specific therapies?
- Are the services and packages flexible?
Situations change. At some point, you might decide you need more help… at another point, you might decide to tone it down. Ask them if once you sign up, are you locked in, or do you have the flexibility to change to whatever suits you at the time. Are there any exit fees for stopping or changing a package?
- Financial arrangements
What are the financial procedures? Is billing transparent? Are there hidden fees and charges?
- Will the same staff be looking after your loved one each week?
Over time, the same carer can build up a relationship with your loved one, learn about their special requirements, habits and personality.
They’ll also be able to monitor them more closely and notice if there are any changes.
If staff are always chopping and changing, not only are a lot of these benefits lost, new staff can actually become more of a disruption to your loved one.
- What is their response time?
Perhaps one morning, your loved one receives an invitation to a lunch date. The lunch is in a couple of hours so they need a bit of help getting ready earlier than usual. Will the provider be able to send someone on short notice? Do they have enough staff in the local area? Are they available 24/7?
Hopefully this list will serve you in choosing the right Home Care Provider for your loved one.
After serving thousands of clients and their families, something we’ve found is that while this might feel like a difficult situation, it can quite often turn out to be one of the most empowering.
Very often when someone starts to receive some help, they start to find a whole new independence and great control over their life. It becomes not just about surviving, but living. Stimulating friendships are formed. New goals are set. And the future all of a sudden seems brighter.
I hope this serves you in some way.
For more information ring 1300 241 300 or visit www.suemann.com.au.
