Retirement should be about enjoying life to the fullest. Sometimes, a little support is the key to doing just that. Private duty home care offers non-medical assistance including light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and more within the comfort of home.
What are the key elements to look for in a reputable private duty provider? We’ve compiled an essential checklist to guide the search.
Checklist for Choosing a Trustworthy Private Duty Provider in St. Louis
- Verify Credentials, Safety, and Compliance of the Private Duty Provider
Trust starts with a fully vetted, professional organization. Since these individuals are invited into your home, don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about the agency’s responsibility and hiring practices:
- What is the background check process? Insist on comprehensive background checks, drug screenings, and thorough reference checks.
- What is caregiver training like? Ask about their training curriculum. Does it focus solely on tasks, or does it include communication skills, client-centered service, and respecting client independence?
- Are they licensed and insured? The agency must carry adequate professional liability insurance and be appropriately licensed by the State of Missouri.
- Are they backed by award-winning expertise? When looking for peace of mind, a provider with a strong local history and recognized health services brings a level of trustworthiness and security.
- Evaluate Service Customization
Care plans should be unique to individuals. The private duty provider must be flexible and committed to goals.
- What is the scope of care? Can they provide a wide range of services, from medication reminders to errand running to hygiene assistance, or are their services limited?
- How are care plans initially developed and how/when are they updated? A good agency will involve the individual and their family in creating a detailed plan. The agency should also have a system and timeline for regularly updating the plan to reflect changes.
- Assess How Communication and Visits are Handled
Know what to expect from visits and how communication is handled to assess if the provider will be a good fit.
- How often do supervisors visit? Ask how frequently an RN or supervisor will conduct in-home visits to ensure the caregiver is meeting the plan’s goals.
- What is the communication process? Ask about preferred channels of communication between caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.
- What about caregiver consistency? While caregiver consistency is important, ask about their system for providing a qualified, fully-briefed substitute if a primary caregiver is sick or on vacation. A robust back-up system is a mark of a reliable agency.
- How are concerns and questions addressed? The agency should have a clear process for receiving and handling any questions or concerns from care recipients and their families.
Peace of Mind for a Vibrant Lifestyle
Move forward with confidence by choosing a private duty partner with this essential checklist.
FV at Home Private Duty Care, brings health support, housekeeping, and more to homes in St. Louis. We know providing these services is a big responsibility, which is why our incredible caregiver team is made up of friendly, trained professionals who are ready to support.