How to Choose a Home Health Agency

By Rich Geraci, DPT, CEO

In honor of National Home Care and Hospice Month, I would like to share my best advice on how to select a home health care agency. I have spent the past 5 years providing physical therapy services for home health care companies in the central Texas area.

I also have been a home care customer. When my grandmother fell and broke her hip, my family had to hire a team to care for her after he hip replacement surgery. During this time I gained great insights into what makes a great home care company.

Here is what you should look for in a home health provider:
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1. They implement immediate care
2. They do background checks
3. They clearly explain costs and insurance
4. They provide a consistent care team
5. They explain how long services will last
6. They define the goals and methods of care
Does the agency promote client independence? Will they challenge you to get better or just prolong your dependence and the duration of care?

Continuing with the hip replacement example, the goal should be a return to the state of health you had before surgery. They should also be able to tell you exactly what services they will provide and what types of caregivers you will require. For a hip replacement this might include:

• Aid in the recovery from the trauma of surgery, provided by a nurse.

• Help with the activities of daily living by a home health aide.

• Physical rehabilitation with the goal of returning to daily activities. This will require a physical therapist.

7. They minimize the interruption in your home
8. They’re available 24/7 live in person

Not all of us know ahead of time that we are going to require home care, but we can anticipate this need in some cases. Start checking out home health care agencies as soon as you realize that you or one of your loved ones might need home care, even if that time is months away. You’ll have more peace of mind when the crucial moment comes if you have already selected the best agency in your area.