As family members get older, the need for specialized care and attention grows exponentially. At a certain point, you may find your loved one requiring the level of assistance only in-home care can provide. While there are plenty of solutions, there are also a few essential questions you should ask your specialist before committing to their home health care services.  

Top 5 Questions To Ask Your In-Home Care Specialist

1. What Type of Training Do You Have?

First, ask about the type of training they went through to obtain their position. Find out their unique areas of expertise, how long they have been in this line of work, which certifications they have, and which, if any, they plan to add to their repertoire in the future. 

2. Which Diagnoses Have You Cared for in the Past?

Training is important, but nothing compares to real-world experience. Ask your in-home care applicant to detail any previous experience with your loved one's specific diagnoses, including any other jobs that put them in similar situations and how they handled particularly difficult and stressful conditions. 

3. Are You Properly Insured for This Line of Work?

Documentation is key, particularly when it comes to elderly care and all the important tasks that come along with it. Ask your applicants for up-to-date documents related to their current health status—including immunizations—as well as insurance and any workers' compensation that may be required.  

4. What Is Your Availability?

Depending on the amount of time your loved one requires for in-home care each day, you will need a general idea of your specialist's availability. Do they fit within the schedule you're aiming for, and can they change their schedule if there’s an emergency? Clearing these questions up in advance will prevent potential timing issues and related conflicts in the future. 

5. Do You Have References?

Finally, you should always ask for references from previous jobs in the realm of senior care. Whether this involves work in a separate facility or other in-home care cases, getting at least two from each applicant will provide insight into their level of compassion and overall care capabilities. 

These should be considered essential starters for any applicant interview, but there's no need to limit your questions. With a decision this important, be as thorough and patient as possible. For families in the South Georgia area, the Douglas, GA-based Tender Care is the best choice for in-home care and other nursing services. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help, and call them at (912) 384-8802 to schedule a consultation today.