A Guide to Home Care: Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Care
Visiting Angels Green Bay understands the emotional and mental fatigue that families can experience when an aging loved one begins to show signs of needing help at home. We’re here to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about home care. We’ve put together a short guide to home care to help point families in the right direction.
Client-Centered Approach
One of the biggest advantages of choosing home care is its tailored and personalized approach to caregiving. When interviewing home care companies, look for one that offers a client-centered approach. The home care company should offer individualized care plans that meet your loved one’s unique care needs. They should take time to get to know your loved one and make an effort to understand their situation, personality, and preferred routine. Providers that offer a client-centered approach create schedules that align with their client’s routines and work diligently to select a compatible caregiver.
Visiting Angels Green Bay believes that a client-centered approach is the best way to operate a home care business. We understand that every senior has unique health and wellness concerns, so their care should be as unique as they are. We create a one-of-a-kind care plan that meets our client’s individual needs and is provided when they need care and support.
Reputation
Another quality to look for when selecting a home care company is reputation. What do others say about this home care provider? How is this provider perceived in the community? Take time to read online reviews and ask healthcare providers for their opinions. A quick internet search about the company can reveal the provider’s values and reputation within the community.
Visiting Angels Green Bay is proud to have earned an outstanding reputation within the Green Bay community. Our commitment to exceptional care has been the cornerstone of our reputation. We've built strong relationships based on trust, compassion, and reliability. Our team takes immense pride in upholding these values, ensuring that every interaction reflects our unwavering dedication to providing top-notch care for seniors in the Green Bay area. Beyond our commitment to excellence, our community involvement speaks volumes about our character. We actively participate in community events, such as the Beaver Dam Senior Expo. We also sponsor and manage Senior Soundwaves, a radio program that shares valuable tips and resources related to aging and caregiving.
Qualifications of Staff
In addition to a client-centered approach and a strong reputation, seniors and their families should understand the qualifications of the staffing. This is fundamental to guaranteeing high-quality care. Ask what certifications and educational backgrounds are required of caregivers. Learn how caregivers are onboarded and how often they receive ongoing training. Reputable home care companies will not only provide initial training for a newly hired caregiver, but they will also ensure their caregivers stay up-to-date with the latest caregiving techniques, safety protocols, and best practices. In addition, look for a home care company that takes the time to run extensive background checks and reference verifications.
Visiting Angels Green Bay understands that introducing a caregiver to an aging loved one can be intimidating. That’s why we take the time to interview prospective caregivers rigorously, ensuring that their character and approach align with our values. We provide initial and ongoing training for our caregivers and monitor their visits with their clients regularly. When you choose us for your home care needs, you can have peace of mind knowing that our caregivers are upstanding professionals who have a passion for the elderly.
Continuity of Care
Lastly, it’s important to look for a home care company that offers continuity of care. This is essential for maintaining a consistent and reliable support system for seniors. Having a consistent caregiver allows your loved one to build rapport and trust. Over time, this caregiving relationship should naturally evolve into a companionship, where the caregiver almost feels like an additional family member. Understand how the home care company schedules caregiver visits. Learn how the provider handles situations where the assigned caregiver is absent and what processes are in place so that your loved one receives a seamless transition.
Visiting Angels Green Bay understands the importance of continuity of care. We work diligently to ensure all of our clients receive visits from their assigned caregivers. In the case of an absence, our substitute caregivers have access to our client-centered care plans and familiarize themselves with the client before their visit.
If you aren’t quite ready to take that first step into your home care journey but need occasional support to help you, several local organizations offer assistance to seniors. The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County is a great place to start. Another wonderful organization is the Green Bay Salvation Army, which provides exercise classes, lunches, and other social activities for seniors. MLA Senior Transportation offers reliable transportation to doctor appointments and other non-medical activities.
When you are ready to make that initial call regarding home care, Visiting Angels Green Bay is here for you. Simply contact us by calling 920-366-5402.