1. family and parenting
2. eldercare

INTRODUCTION TO
HOMECARE GUIDE
A valuable resource to help you find
the right Homecare Agency
Helping You Become an Educated Homecare Consumer
Before you call, think about what your needs or your loved one’s care needs are
and make a list, if possible. Giving us an accurate idea of needs allows us to select
the perfect caregiver for you or your loved one. Here are some possible needs
to consider:
•D
o you or your loved one require skilled medical assistance for things like
checking blood pressure, testing blood sugar, administering medication, or
wound care?
• Do
you or your loved one require a caregiver that speaks a specific language
or knows sign language?
• Do you or your loved one need a full-time, live-in caregiver or will a part-time
companion, someone who can provide hands-on care such as lifting or
assistance getting in and out of the bath, be just fine?
• Do you or your loved one have a memory loss diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s
or Dementia or is there mild forgetfulness or confusion at times?
• Will you or your loved one require a caregiver who can drive you to
appointments or social events? If so, do you own a vehicle?
•D
o you or your loved one require a caregiver who has received specialized
training in areas such as hospice, memory loss, or mobility issues?
Quick Tips:
In Home Personal Services wants you or your loved one to have the best
homecare experience possible. These tips will help achieve that:
• Before meeting your specially selected caregiver, write down a daily and weekly schedule.
Include things that you or your loved one likes and dislikes regarding food and television
shows, for example. List any special interests and activities that you or your loved one
participates in. Doing this and giving it to the caregiver will help them step in quickly for
a smooth transition, which can help reduce added stress on you or your loved one.
• F eedback from you or your loved one is critically important to the success of the care
received. Positive or negative – give as much feedback as possible – we want and need to know.
Which agency to use? What you need to know to make the best decision.
Picking the right agency is vitally important, from potential liability you or your loved one may face
to obtaining the best care possible at a fair price, we recommend you use the following chart when
interviewing homecare agencies. We know it is a journey ... we’re always here to help.
Here is a quick checklist of things you should look for in a
homecare agency:
COMPANY 1
COMPANY 2
COMPANY 3
c
Do they offer both Medical and Non-Medical care?*
Yes
Do they offer a free assessment from qualified
professionals?
Yes
Are all team members drug tested and background
checked? Do they have workers’ compensation
insurance where applicable?
Yes
Are they able to provide a qualified “relief ” caregiver
if your caregiver needs to leave for any reason?
Yes
Can they accommodate any length of visit request,
with no hourly minimum?
Yes
Can you interview your caregivers before committing
to a care plan?
Yes
Will they give you upfront pricing for typical situations?
Yes
Does the agency have a dedicated supervisor/team
member to assess your situation, place the best
caregiver for you, and follow up with families in person
on a routine basis?
Yes
Does the agency handle paying the caregivers to ensure
all state, federal, and local government requirements are met?
Yes
Does the agency have long term contracts or penalties
for cancellation?
No
Is the agency licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes
Does the agency carry general liability insurance to cover
their employees, you, and/or your loved ones in case of
accidents in your home?
Yes
If at any time you or your loved one feels there
should be a change in the caregivers, can the agency
accommodate it without disrupting your care?
Yes
Does the agency have caregivers with experience
and/or specific training on the conditions/illnesses
you or your loved one is facing?
Yes
*The availability of medical services varies by location, please contact your local IHPS office for details.
Contact Us Today at 877.826.IHPS (4477) or at ihps.com