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Selecting a Home Health Care Provider can be
made a lot easier by asking some questions about the organization.
The link to the 'print version' leads to a printable page that lets
you easily compare different providers.
- How many years has the provider been serving your community?
- Does the provider offer printed material describing its services and costs?
- Is the provider accredited? This means that their quality of
care has been surveyed and approved by an outside accrediting organization
(such as CCHSA, ISO).
- Is the provider a member of a provincial association that has
standards of care - such as the Ontario Home Care Association?
- Can you get a service agreement which outlines the services to
be provided and the cost, in writing?
- What are the costs for services?
- Will the provider help access insurance policies and/or government
funded services on your behalf?
- How does the provider handle billing?
- Will the provider provide a list of references?
- What are services provided?
- Will these services meet the home care needs time?
- Are provider caregivers available 24 hours per day, 7 days a
week?
- Does the provider have a nursing supervisor on call and available
24 hours per day?
- What are the qualifications of the staff?
- Does the provider ensure patient confidentiality? How?
- How are employees hired and trained?
- Does the provider require criminal record background checks and
communicable disease screens for its employees?
- What is the procedure for resolving issues that may arise between
the patient/family and home health care staff?
- Is someone available to answer questions or respond to a crisis?
- Who can you call with questions or complaints?
- What happens if a staff member fails to make a scheduled visit?
- Will the same person visit regularly?
Suggested Questions to Ask References
- Do you frequently refer patients to this provider?
- Are your patients/clients satisfied with the services?
- Do you have a contractual arrangement with this provider?
If so, are they required to meet special standards of care?
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