Several weeks ago, a dear family friend of mine suffered a devastating stroke. For a few days, his family members didn’t know if he would survive this event. Thankfully, he did. Now, he is undergoing the slow recovery process in a nursing home. Since his stroke, his family has been amazing. They visit him daily at the nursing facility. They have even decorated his room in an effort to make him feel like he is at home. If your loved one has recently been admitted to a nursing home, don’t despair. You may be able to help your loved one adjust to this living situation better by being supportive. On this blog, you will discover the ways to make your loved one’s transition to a nursing home easier.
A Home Away from Home
5 Things to Ask before Hiring a Home Health Agency
Johnny Rodriguez
There may come a time in the life of one of your family members or loved ones where home health care is required. This may be necessary during the recovery period from a surgery or major illness, or due to chronic health issues that prevent a person from safely living alone without care. If you are hiring a home health agency, ask the following questions.
Will a Registered Nurse Do the Initial Assessment?
Depending on the level of care needed, a certified nurse assistant (CNA), or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be the best option for your family member. But the best way to assess what level of care you need from a home health agency is by having a registered nurse (RN) conduct the initial assessment. An RN has advanced training, and will have a better understanding of the type of care that a person requires based on his or her medical condition.
What Is Your Policy When a Caregiver Is Unable to Work a Shift?
There may be instances when an assigned caregiver is unable to fulfill a shift due to illness or planned time off. A good home health agency will have a concrete plan to ensure that all shifts are covered so your family member will always have a qualified medical professional show up on time to provide the care needed.
What Is Your Hiring Process?
Look for a home health agency that performs full background checks and verifies the licenses of all of their caregivers and nurses. Home health agencies that focus on hiring the best staff possible can typically be relied upon to provide the best possible care for your family member. It is also worth looking into the turnover rate at a home health agency. It is a good idea to look for one that has staff that sticks around.
Can You Provide References?
One of the best ways to learn more about a home health agency is by speaking to current and past clients. Before hiring a home health agency, it is a good idea to contact several references to ensure that the agency delivers what it promises.
Will You Provide a Care Plan and Regular Updates?
If you want to be a part of your family member's care, look for a home health agency like The Village at Morrisons Cove that makes it a point to let you know what is going on. Don't be afraid to ask for a copy of your family member's care plan, and request regular updates regarding what goes on during visits by the caregiver or nurse.
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