When Eventually Becomes Right Now
“EVEN DURING THESE TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, WE WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW THAT WE ARE STILL RIGHT BY THEIR SIDE, SUPPORTING THEM ALONG THE WAY AND PROVIDING THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE FOR THEM AND THEIR LOVED ONES.”
We recommend that families plan ahead for in-home care to allow plenty of time for an initial home visit to check for deficiencies that may cause injuries or issues in the future. Having a caregiver in the home two to three days a week to provide minimal assistance and make assessments of the environment is a great step for preventing unexpected injuries. A walker could catch on a rug, the bathroom may need grab bars installed, or the client may benefit from having a shower chair. There are numerous factors home-care professionals might notice that the family has overlooked.
When we visit a home for a consultation, we always have a safety checklist. While walking through the home, we look at everything to ensure there are no glaring deficits in the environment that might cause injury. Usually, someone is doing well with everyday tasks until an emergent situation causes an immediate need for home care. If there’s been no preparation, the time is now.
When looking for at-home care, it’s important to contact multiple agencies. We provide families with a set of questions that is always important to ask any agency they are considering. The number one question is to make sure they are licensed with the state of Indiana and with the State Department of Health. With that licensure, there are numerous safeguards put in place for our community such as background checks, drug testing, and 24-hour access.
Another important consideration is cost. There is usually not a huge price point difference in any one agency. It is however important to know and understand how the agency will bill for their services. Be sure to ask about their COVID policy, if they are able to take care of someone with an infectious disease, and how many caregivers they will be sending.
Lastly, you should be aware of what options will be available to you if there is an emergency. You may have inpatient rehab, or outpatient rehab, both of which are provided at a facility outside of your home. Another option might be in-home rehab, where a home care agency will come into your home and supply rehab services.
When a home care need arises suddenly, you will have multiple options for receiving care. There are home care agencies, hospice agencies, and durable medical equipment agencies that can provide equipment such as beds, walkers, and wheelchairs. There is also hospitalization, rehab, long-term care facilities, assisted living, and independent living. Each and every option has varying levels of service and we are here to help you find the best option to fit your needs.