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How to find a reliable home health care
agency.
- Ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral.
- Talk to the medical social worker or discharge planner before
the patient is released from the hospital.
- Call your county, state or regional senior center or aging
service center for recommendations.
- Get personal recommendations from family or friends who have
used home care or hospice services.
- Call the National Association for Home Care at
(202) 547-7424.
- Call the Foundation for Hospice and Home Care at
(202) 547-6586 for accreditation information.
- Meet with the nursing director at a home care agency. Ask . .
. How does the agency screen and train staff?
- Does staff receive ongoing education and training?
- Is the agency accredited with JCAHO, Medicare/Medicaid, or
other governing bodies?
- How does the agency ensure your patient's care plan will be
followed?
- Does the agency provide personal care or homemaking services
that will benefit the patient?
- Make an appointment for a home visit where your family
member's health and situation will be assessed.
- Ask what types of health insurance coverage are accepted.
- Do they offer services on a sliding fee basis according to
ability to pay?
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