Choosing quality home healthcare for your loved ones can be a daunting task. It’s important to consider the qualifications, experience, and reputation of the provider so you can be sure you are making the best decision for your family member. It’s also essential to understand the different types of home healthcare services available, the costs associated with them, and the various options you have for payment. Taking the time to research and evaluate your options will ensure you make the best choice for your loved one’s care. With a little guidance, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your loved one gets the best possible care.
In this article, Elly Kleinman, founder and CEO of Americare – a home healthcare provider, will share some tips to help you can make an informed decision that will ensure your loved one gets the best possible care.
What is home healthcare?
Home healthcare services are customized to meet the needs of the person receiving care. Whether you have a chronic condition, are recovering from surgery, or are caring for someone with a chronic illness, home healthcare can help. Home healthcare includes a variety of services, many of which can be provided by qualified individuals without the need for a home healthcare provider. You may want to consider hiring a home healthcare provider when you need a higher level of care that exceeds what you can provide yourself or what family members are able to provide. Home healthcare can include medical care, such as nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social work. It can also include non-medical care, such as housekeeping and meal preparation.
Founded by Elly Kleinman in 1982, The Americare Companies is one of the largest healthcare organizations in New York State. Americare's certified caregivers provide compassionate, kind, and trusted care to those in need.
Qualifications and experience of home healthcare providers
When evaluating home healthcare providers, be sure to consider their qualifications and experience. Be wary of providers who are not qualified to meet your loved one’s needs. It’s important to note that some providers specialize in certain care areas. Elly Kleinman Americare CEO shares some examples of health care provider’s specialties:
- Acute care - This type of care is best suited for a short-term condition, such as a surgery recovery, or to address a sudden injury or illness.
- Chronic care - Chronic care is best suited for a longer-term condition, such as a chronic illness.
- Long-term care (also known as custodial care) - Long-term care is short-term care that is ongoing.
- Specialty care - Specialty care is care for rare conditions.
Tips for evaluating home healthcare providers
When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential home healthcare providers, it’s time to start interviewing them.
When interviewing home healthcare providers, Elly Kleinman Americare CEO suggests keeping these tips in mind:
- Talk to more than one provider - You want to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. It’s essential to talk to a few providers so you can compare the services they provide, their fees, and the way they accept payment.
- Be honest about your loved one’s needs - It’s important to be honest about the type of care your loved one needs. If you lie to a home healthcare provider, they won’t be able to provide the care your loved one requires.
- Ask for recommendations - Make sure your provider has the experience and knowledge to provide adequate care and suit your loved one’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read these tips by Elly Kleinman (follow him on Instagram), you have the knowledge to make sure the provider you select has the availability to provide the care your loved one needs.
