When we’re sick or under the weather, this is not the best time to make important decisions for ourselves, especially when it comes to financial, medical or personal issues. Viewed from that vantage point, throw in the fact that you’re alone, depressed and elderly, and you have the perfect storm when it comes to making bad decisions. There are people out there who bill themselves as “care providers” or “companions,” offering their services on an hourly or per-diem basis. They may offer references from previous employers and seem to be above-board – they can cook, clean and have a nice-looking car to take you grocery shopping and to doctor’s appointments. They may even offer “medication management” since they’ve been caring for people for years and know all the drugs they take. But how do you really know that everything is on the up and up? Are these references bona fide and not just friends acting like former clients when you call up? If you’re on a special diet, will they be able to prepare meals that fit your dietary needs? Does that car have insurance or do they even have a valid driver’s license? And if they’re offering “medication management,” where’s their nursing license? And what happens if they hurt their back while they’re working for you? Will your homeowner’s insurance cover their medical bills and any potential lawsuits? These questions can be daunting for anyone; but if you’re elderly, have some memory loss and just want someone to take care of you, this scenario can be a recipe for disaster.
At this point you need to put down the phone book and consider the services of a state-licensed, home health agency, where clients are overseen by a staff of registered nurses with multiple years of experience in the home care field. The state-licensing component is especially critical in California, where there are no such requirements for non-medical or custodial services. You should also be aware that even if you enlist the services of a full service agency, which is required to perform criminal background checks, DMV and reference checks on its employees, there are no consumer protection laws in place in the state, no minimum standards of care nor official state oversight, unless the agency is state-licensed. Therefore, it may seem like the wild west when it comes to finding a trusted agency to handle you or your loved one’s needs. This is why it is so important that the agency you choose be state-licensed and not the nicest looking graphic in the phone book.
A state-licensed agency runs background checks on its employees, verifies their certifications if applicable and ensures that they meet all requirements in terms of bonding and insurance, along with required health exams. The best home health agencies strive to match the caregiver’s personality to the client’s and provide continuity of care so that just a few caregivers are involved and familiar with the patient’s care.
Another distinction between a state-licensed agency and one that is not is the RN oversight component, along with the care plans that are mandated by the state of California. When asking whether or not an agency is licensed, you have to be specific in questioning the type of license: business vs. state. A state-licensed agency can work in conjunction with Medicare agencies to provide continuity of care upon discharge from a Medicare company. RN case management is important as the nurse can assess the patient for any lifestyle changes that could be symptomatic of disease processes and contact the client’s physician for follow-up. Nursing oversight can also offer education to the family, advise on dietary guidelines, as well as supervise medication compliance and be the first defense when it comes to any contraindications.
Here at Home Health Care, Inc. our nursing staff works hand in hand with our caregivers for the best patient outcome. This includes monthly visits to each client’s home to assess their medical and psychological needs and note any changes. Our caregivers also chart their patients’ condition with progress notes and report any changes to our nursing staff. We provide the oversight and level of care that is not guaranteed if you let your fingers do the walking.
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