Learn More About In-Home Companion Services for Seniors

Home Care in Evanston IL

When elders are faced with making a decision about home care, the best way to make a decision is by researching home care agencies.  It’s extremely important to do your due diligence before hiring a provider to come into your loved ones’ home. Obtain full information on agency licensing and liability insurance coverage before signing agreement.

Why Home Care Services?

The integrity of home care companionship is essential to the delivery of quality service. Comprehensive home care services for seniors assist elders at a time when the aging process is beginning to interfere with daily activities of living. Seniors living independently are generally able to perform minor tasks, yet require assistance for more moderate to challenging activities. Decreased sociability is often an effect, as seniors become less able to transport themselves. Home care companions offer a solution to both practical and social impairment. Conduct a search on an agency’s client feedback for more information about their reputation. Red flags should be investigated to avoid risks to a parent or grandparent.

The following screening checklist is intended to assist in the selection of a home care service:

Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) is covered through Medicaid government funded programs licensed by the state. CHHA Home health aides provide both medical services as well as personal care assistance depending on the program.

Medical Home Care Services

Home care services offer scheduling of medical appointments and in-home visits from nurses or physicians specialists; including aftercare delivery of medical services to patients recuperating from heart attack, cancer, stroke, or traumatic injuries. Some agencies provide Certified Companion Aide (CCA®) nursing assistance. Inquire if there medical service alerts and emergency assistance are part of the scope of services.

Licensed Home Care Agency

These services are licensed by the state and may offer clients both medical and personal care services. Special services may also be offered for Alzheimer’s patients diagnosed in the early stages of their disease.

Nursing Registry Agency

Nurses and licensed clinical home aides are practitioners specializing in home care services.  Most U.S. states maintain a nursing registry the department of health.

Non-medical Companion Agencies

Companion agencies offer ancillary services arranged to ensure that community members connect with seniors living independently at home.  Not always licensed, these services are also not covered by liability insurance.

Care Planning Criteria

Customized care plans designed to meet a client’s unique needs are tailored to provide services according to demand. Request details to care plan review to ensure that adjustments can be made in correspondence with client needs. Clients diagnosed at the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease may require more assistance than periodic visits. Review a home care practitioner or provider service website for information about specialization in palliative care.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Evanston, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Source
Levine, Carol. Hiring Someone to Help With Home Care: Finding an agency, costs, and questions to ask. American Association of Retired Persons, 20 Aug, 2012. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-08-2012/hiring-at-home-caregiver.html

Jamie Shapiro