How to choose home care services in Philadelphia?

Caring for a loved one is not easy. Unfortunately, many aspects of our lives are beyond our control. If you have a family member or child who needs companionship, support with activities of daily living, and helps with other chores, you should consider home health care. As the name suggests, this is all about getting the help you need for someone in need within the comfort of their home. If you are looking for home care services Philadelphia, here are some points to consider. 

1. Start with a list. Thankfully, many agencies in Philadelphia offer home care services, and it doesn’t have to be hard to find a few through Google Search. Make a list of at least two to three agencies.
2. Check reviews. What do other clients have to say about a service? Independent reviews of home care agencies are always handy for shortlisting the best ones. Keep an eye out if an agency has too many bad reviews.
3. Get a consultation. Many agencies offer in-home consultations for clients, which could be an excellent way to understand what their caregivers can or cannot do. Meet the team to know the scope of the services.
4. Don’t miss the basics. When you talk to the agency, there are a few questions you need to ask. Firstly, is the agency licensed in the state? Is the agency Medicare-certified? How long have they been in business?
5. Ask about their hiring process. How an agency hires caregivers says a lot about its commitment. Many agencies have a detailed background check process and only hire Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), home health aides, and Registered Nurses (RNs).
6. Consider your requirements. It is essential to discuss your requirements with the agency in detail. Keep in mind that home health care may cost more for a shorter term. However, it is best to discuss critical details like tasks that the caregiver would do and the number of hours they would provide each day.
7. Get an estimate. It would help if you considered getting an estimate for your requirements. Ask the agency how they would bill you. It would help if you didn’t have to give money to the caregiver but directly to the home care service. Also, insist on weekly billing so that there is no confusion.

Lastly, check if the agency accepts Medicaid, VA benefits, and PA Waiver programs. If you want, you can always pay them privately. 

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