There’s a good chance that you or someone you know is dealing with the advanced age of a loved one. While this can be a difficult situation to deal with, it isn’t one where you lack options to get help. Many people are turning to in-home healthcare to help care for their elderly loved ones.

How To Find & Hire A Home Health Care Aide or Visiting Nurse In Westport, Connecticut

In-home health care is needed for the following reasons:

1. The patient requires continuous care for a chronic health condition
2. The patient requires post-operative care

If either of these apply to someone in your family and you have power of attorney over their medical needs, then it is prudent to begin the process of contracting an appropriate health care company as soon as possible.

Arranging For Home Visits

The first major step is screening home healthcare agencies so you can find the right fit. You should start this out by researching companies in your area and getting to know them better. After all, the main objective here is to make the best educated decision possible.

Make sure that you don’t just settle for the first agency you interview or like.  You should do your best to find a company that meets the needs of the family and your loved one. If done properly, the correct company will meet all of your needs.

References And The Right Questions

Make sure that you receive references from the agencies you query. It’s an important step and will give you valuable insight. Next, don’t forget to ask plenty of questions. Questions on their care style, how they interact with the patient and so on. Here’s a good list to get you started:

• What specific skills does the agency’s home health providers have to offer?
• Do the caregivers participate in continuing education courses?
• If the patient isn’t happy with their assigned provider, can they ask for a replacement provider?
• What metrics are used to monitor the patient’s care and medical progress?
• Are the patient’s medications reviewed during the course of treatment?
• On what basis is a treatment plan created?
• How often are treatment plans reassessed?
• Are the health care wishes of the patient included and respected?
• Are the home health providers licensed and insured?
• What specific services are provided beyond in-home treatment?

Connecticut Insurance And Billing Questions

Medicare pays for in-home health care for a short periods of time. For everything else you’ll have to look toward private insurance. And of course, it is important to confirm that the insurance plan is accepted.