Living at home as long as possible is the goal of many older adults. If your aging loved ones need assistance with daily life but want to stay in their home, you may need to engage the services of a home care provider. Home care agencies help with medication, personal care, shopping, meal prep, and more, and also provide companionship. The following tips will help you select a home care service perfect for your aging family member.

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Service

Identify Specific Care Needs

First, assess the type of care your loved one needs. Do they require nursing assistance or memory care? Do they struggle with hygiene and nutrition? Or are they more interested in obtaining a helper for light cleaning and meal preparation plus some companionship? The home care service you select should be able to meet the specific needs of your family member. Not every agency can address medical needs, for example, or provide 24-hour care for dementia patients. 

Evaluate the Agency

Once you determine the provider’s services align with your needs, examine how they’re structured, how they manage staff and finances, and how much they involve clients and their families in developing a care plan. The idea organization will have clear literature about services and costs and will be transparent about how they charge and bill clients. Ask about their staff turnover and general hiring policies. Do they perform background checks? What qualifications do they require of their caregivers? Make a list of your questions and concerns to bring to your interview with service managers. Many home care agencies have an involved intake procedure and build ample time for questions into this appointment.

Get Referrals

Referrals from doctors and friends provide a realistic assessment of a home care provider. Check local business websites and social media accounts for reviews, too. If you don’t have referrals from personal contacts, ask the agency to provide references and current clients you can talk to about their experience with the home care service. An ethical, established agency should have no problem providing references.

Choosing home care for your aging loved one is a big decision that involves time, money, and personal feelings. Visiting Angels, in Tom’s River, NJ, is one of the most established home care providers and take pride in offering compassionate, individualized care. For more information about their services, which include Alzheimer’s and dementia care, call (732) 240-1050. Visit the Visiting Angels website to learn more about the company and the work they can perform for your relative.