Home Helpers and Direct Link Inc.

Selecting a Home Care Agency

When you and your loved ones decide that In Home Health Care and support services are needed, there are many things to consider in your selection process. The first thing you will look at is location. Many Agencies, such as Home Helpers serve a predefined area. It is important to try to choose a Home Care Agency near you, so that you can ask around about their reputation. There are many differences in how home health agencies operate, one may meet your needs and support your goals better than another. Ask your doctor, hospital discharge nurse, or social worker, senior center, support person, and friends about their Caregiving experiences.
What are you looking for? This support list provided by Marc Dann Ohio Attorney General is a very good help to determine what you need to consider.

• How long has the agency been serving the community?
• Performance standards are required by Medicare, state licensing agencies, and independent health care accreditation organizations. Does the agency you are considering participate in one of these programs?
• Are consumer references available?
• Are employees bonded?
• Does the agency hire only staff who have passed a criminal background check? Are staff taught how to perform the Caregiving services they will be providing? Do they receive continuing education?
• Do agency supervisors oversee the quality of in home care the patients receive? How often does a supervisor visit the client's home?
• How are problems followed up and resolved?
• Does the agency provide regular, itemized statements that explain all costs?
• Is literature provided explaining the agency services, eligibility requirements, and fees?

Those are great questions to help you get started. It is a good idea to meet with the Home Care Agency and ask questions. This gives you an opportunity to judge their professionalism, and the Home Care Agency should be able to quote you cost and plan for the support and care of your loved one. You should have the opportunity to meet your intended Caregiver before the scheduled start date for an in home orientation type of visit. Your Caregiver should demonstrate a caring and responsible demeanor. The should be outgoing and ask questions, but listen as well.

What Does it Mean to be Part of Your Community?

• Portage County Senior Service Network
• Portage County OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Volunteer
• Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce
• North Hill Chamber of Commerce
• Barberton South Summit Chamber of Commerce
• Portage County Kiwanis
• Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce
  

Home Helpers participates in the following Community Programs and Events:

• Area on Aging Senior Workshops and Events
• Tuff Stuff Program and Presentations
• Portage County Senior Celebration
• Ohio Rehabilitative Services Commission Employment Program
• Social Security Disability's Ticket to Work Program

Home Helpers and Direct Link Inc. strives to be a valuable community and senior resource. We provide care, support, information, and many other services to all community members at no charge. Recently we have even taken this mission to the Internet. The owners of Home Helpers and Direct Link Inc., Felix and Karen Smith; and staff have developed a Home Health Care News and Issues Blog page to bring you current news and issues concerning the Home Health Care industry. While the vision of Home Helpers to reach out in their community is noble and perhaps unusual, it is normal operating procedure for the staff of this Home Helpers and Direct Link Inc. Call us, we want to help. If we do not already have the number or information you need in our database, then we will track it down and call you back. That's a good neighbor!

Tallmadge and Ravenna Offices:
(330)839-8801
Email