When selecting a home care agency, there are some very important questions that you should ask of your prospective services provider:
Is the Care Provider a:
1. Home Care Agency,
2. Employment Agency,
3. Registry/Broker,
4. Independent Contractor?
Home care agencies accept responsibility for screening, training, insuring, and supervising their staff. The other employment models do not.
How long has the agency been providing private duty home care?
How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment? Do they hire independent contractors?
Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees?
Does an agency representative, who along with the client and family, develop an individualized plan of care? How are emergencies handled after normal business hours?
How often are caregiver services monitored? Does an agency representative make regular visits to the client's home?
Does the agency adhere to state and federal guidelines in their employment practices, such as: withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers' compensation and other benefits?
Does the agency manage all payroll and employee related matters?
Whenever possible, ask to meet with the prospective caregiver(s) before they are assigned to provide care. This will provide a good opportunity to interact with the caregiver prior to an assignment. If you are not satisfied with the caregiver, this is a good time to let the agency know.
For more information on nurse registries and independent contractors, please read our Position Paper so that you can make the most informed choice possible.
Why Private Duty Home Care?
When considering home care, first consider private duty home care. You and your loved ones deserve the peace of mind, trust and security that private duty home care uniquely offers.
Peace of Mind When it's time to choose home care, choosing a member of the National Private Duty Association gives you peace of mind. Our sole mission is to enhance the professionalism of private duty home care through education and best practices.
Trust
Private duty home care is different than ordinary home care. By choosing a member of the National Private Duty Association, you can trust that your home care provider subscribes to industry standards and a code of ethics.
Security
Your home health care provider choice is critical because you could accidentally become an employer, with all of its tax and regulatory burdens. By choosing a member of the National Private Duty Association, you can rest secure knowing our members are the employers, and you can focus on receiving the care.
