New Generations Home Care Services answers important questions

You may question if you or a loved one needs home care services. New Generations Home Care, Inc. recognizes that this can be a difficult, and sometimes painful and frightening, decision. Inherent in this decision is the fear of loss of autonomy, or independence. However, home care more often than not proves to be a strong factor in improving, or at least maintaining, one’s level of independence.

Nevertheless, while recognizing that “someday” help may be needed for you to remain in your home, determining when that someday actually comes may be a difficult decision. But here are some indications that may help you with your decision. You may be a candidate for home care services if:

• 1. you realize that you are less able to care for yourself as you grow older;
• 2. you have a disability or a chronic illness;
• 3. you’re recovering from an illness, surgery or a hospital stay;
• 4. you have a terminal illness.

Before you can make a decision about using home care, obviously you need to know how home care services can help you. What levels of service are provided? For those of you who need skilled medical monitoring, direct care and intervention so your medical needs may be met at home instead of having to be institutionalized, we can offer skilled nursing. If you simply need a little help with normal daily activities and basic monitoring of your medical condition, a personal care aide (PCII) will meet your needs. For those of you who need help in preserving a safe and clean environment, providing a break for caregivers and helping with personal care duties, a homemaker (PCI) is the best choice.

Companion or respite services provide short term or long term companionship for an exhausted caregiver either in a home or a hospital setting. Often New Generations Home Care finds that a combination of these services is the most appropriate approach. Our skilled office staff can determine the most cost-effective combination of services to meet your needs.

Now you’ve finally made the decision to use a home care agency. We strongly encourage you to check with several agencies in your area for comparison by asking these questions of each one:

• 1. Will the aide perform personal home care services like bathing and dressing (not just
  handing the client a bar of soap or an adult diaper)?
• 2. Will the aide drive the client to appointments?
• 3. Will the home care agency quote rates over the telephone?
• 4. Are the rates reasonable?
• 5. Will the agency assure you there are no hidden costs for “extras”?
• 6. Will an agency representative make an initial home visit to determine your needs?
• 7. Will you receive ongoing telephone calls to make sure you’re satisfied with your service?
• 8. Will you receive ongoing home visits?
• 9. Does the agency make an effort to attract the best aides by paying competitively?
• 10. Does the agency interview aides thoroughly before referral?
• 11. Does the agency do reference checks (not just confirming dates of prior employment)?
• 12. Does the agency try to match an aide to the client’s needs and personality?
• 13. Does the agency provide a thorough orientation to each new aide?
• 14. Are criminal background checks done even if the state doesn’t require them?
• 15. Does the agency fully insure each aide (liability insurance and workers compensation)?
• 16. Does the agency have references from satisfied clients or families?
• 17. Is the agency monitored on a regular basis to ensure compliance with regulations?

You will learn, when you interview New Generations Home Care, Inc., that the answer to every question is “yes”. Ensure whatever company you choose can answer yes to these questions also to ensure the best and safest possible care for you or your loved one.

This article is part of an advertising promotion sponsored by New Generations Home Care, Inc.Click here to go to New Generations Home Care website.

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