If you feel overwhelmed when considering how to hire a home care agency, you are not alone. Selecting the right care agency can prove to be a challenge for many especially with the overwhelming number of agencies. 

In situations where care is needed for a loved one, but unfortunately family members are unable to care for their loved ones, most would rely on the help of a care agency which might be their best bet.

What Is Home Care?

Home care consists of one or more services that are provided by a professional caregiver in an individual’s home. Home care, also known as domiciliary care or in-home care, is not provided in group settings such as a clinic or nursing home. 

Home care professionals routinely provide services for seniors, but they also provide services for people of all ages who have disabilities. 

Services Offered by Pennsylvania  Home Care Providers

In-home care services in Pennsylvania can consist of almost any service a senior or disabled person needs. Your home care agency in Pennsylvania will develop a customized plan for your loved one to help them live happier, safer, and more comfortably. 

Below are some of the services provided by Good Hands Home Care.

Light Housekeeping

Typically, a home care agency in Pennsylvania will provide light housekeeping services such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, or other light duties. Seniors and people with a disability who need regular house cleaning should enlist the help of a professional house cleaner in addition to an in-home caregiver.    

Errands 

At Good Hands, our compassionate caregivers are willing and available to help with running your errands within your care plan. These may include but not limited to; medication pick up from pharmacy, accompany to banks, going to laundromats. 

Personal Care

Hygiene and personal care are important for well-being. Good Hands Home Care  caregivers to help with activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, hair care, general hygiene, and more. 

Groceries and Meal Preparation

Cognition impairments can cause seniors or a person with disabilities to forget mealtimes  unable to get to a grocery store or prepare healthy meals. Good Hands Home Care’s aides  assist with  grocery shopping and meal preparation to ensure your loved one is eating a well balanced diet.. 

Medication Reminders

Professional caregivers in Pennsylvania are not permitted to dispense medications. However, professional caregivers are allowed to remind the people they care for to take their medications and guide them in taking the right medications at the proper times. 

Appointment and Communication Support

Some of the difficulties seniors and people with disabilities have are managing their appointments and adhering to their daily schedules. Good Hands Home Care will provide a certified caregiver who can organize appointments and outings and keep their patients in contact with family members and friends. 

Bedbound Care

Individuals who are not able to leave their beds need specialized care. Good Hands Home Care can provide 24-hour care to ensure such patients get the proper care needed.  

How to Pay for Home Care in Pennsylvania

Good Hands Home Care can  help you identify ways to help pay for in-home care services. 

These are some of the common ways people pay for home care services:

• Private pay – Your in-home care agency will help you identify the services you need and the number of hours you require. They will also provide you with a rate schedule and a customized care plan.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) –  Home care agencies routinely work with the VA and other veteran service agencies to help process applications and get funding so veterans can obtain in-home services.
• Long-term care insurance plans – If you have a long-term care insurance plan, a home care agency in Philadelphia will be willing to provide all the necessary documentation to access funds from the plan.
• Pennsylvania Home and Community-Based state and federal programs – These programs are also called waiver programs. You will need to qualify for a waiver by submitting income records, a diagnosis, and a health assessment. 

Cost of Home Care in Pennsylvania

The average hourly rate for in-home care services in Pennsylvania is $24. The average rates in Philadelphia are only slightly higher. Less expensive care is available in other parts of the state.  

How to Choose the Best Home Care Agency in Pennsylvania

Communication is key when selecting the best home care agency. Ask questions about how the agency hires caregivers, what training and qualifications they have, and how they monitor their caregivers. Learn how they manage substitute caregivers and how to make changes in your care plan. Also, check out online reviews and verify their licensing. Good Hands Home Care is available to answer your questions and lead you in the right direction.

Process of Hiring the Right Home Care Agency As you get ready to hire an agency, narrow your choices down to two or three agencies, and arrange for in-person meetings with each of them. Prepare a list of questions to ask at the interview and compare the answers.

You have a lot to consider when choosing the home care agency in Philadelphia that is right for your needs. You are certain to have even more questions and our teams at Good Hands Home Care are happy to answer them, so give us a call at 215-487-8595 today!