Saturday, September 29, 2012

How to Choose Home Care Services

By Sharon A. O'Brien, SC; RN, PG; BSW, RSW; CG 
Executive Vice-President of Policy & Education 
at Senior Watch

It seems with each day new agencies are springing up in our communities. This is an era of entrepreneurship and many are looking at the mushrooming senior market.

How does one choose an agency to provide the assistance needed?

To start, it would be good to remember that in most cases, you are inviting total strangers into your home. You will want to know that the staff are insured and have been trained with the skills needed to meet your specific need. Not everyone knows how to boil an egg!!

It would be wise to ask friends, your family doctor, or family members if they know about the organization. What is the company's reputation? How long has it been in business? How qualified are its leaders? What is the quality of supervision?

Have questions ready for the representative with whom you speak. If you are timid, ask a friend or family member to make the call.

Home Services are not a "last resort" - they form a vital part of the continuum of care available in New Brunswick. These services are part of the preventative care program, allowing older people to continue quality lives in the residence of their choice.

Choosing a suitable provider of service is something that can be planned before the need arises. It is a decision that is best made when stress is minimal!