Home Care Company Check List
1. Does the company hold any certification?
a. Current certifications available in Ohio are Medicare and Medicaid. Ohio
is one of only a handful of states, which does not have any
requirements
or standards in which to provide home care services under, as our neigh-
boring states, Kentucky and Indiana have.
2. Are the company’s employees bonded and insured? Are previous work
references checked? Are employees required to show police reports prior to
being hired, and then fingerprinted?
a. In the State of Ohio, all individuals who care for individuals 60 and over
are required to have their fingerprints taken and cleared by the Bureau
of Criminal Investigation and Interrogation.
3. What type of orientation is given prior to sending new hires into clients
homes? Do they verify through return demonstrations, that new employees
know how to perform the tasks requested of them? How often do they check
their employees to assure they are still performing competently?
4. Do they have a Registered Nurse come out to your home to perform a
complete assessment of the client, and assist the client and/or family members
in developing a plan of care prior to assigning personnel? Do they explain in
detail client’s rights to you and/or your family member? Do they give you a
list of the services and their costs, and give you an estimate in writing
of
your monthly charges prior to starting services?
5. Does the nurse give you instructions on how to contact them after regular
business hours, in case of an emergency? How quickly will someone call you
back if you request or require a call back?
6. What if you do not like the individual assigned to provide your services? Who
do you tell and what should you expect?
7. Is their evidence of your written Plan of Care left in your home, which has
been compiled with input from you and your physician? How often will the
nurse come and update your plan if needed?
8. How often will a Registered Nurse Supervisor visit your home while care is
being provided? Is there a Registered Nurse on call to come visit you seven
days a week, twenty-four hours a day in case of an emergency?
9. Is the Agency able to provide Therapy (Physical, Occupational, Speech) ser-
vices to you in your home?
10. Do they have a Master’s Prepared Social Worker on staff to assist you with
other needs than just health care?
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