The issue of healthcare has gripped America in recent months, and with incoming legislation set to shake up the government’s involvement in the system, it’s time for many Americans to take a second look at healthcare for them and their loved ones, particularly with long-term services, such as care. However, switching to a new care service, or choosing one for the first time, can be difficult; particularly for those hamstrung by limited insurance options. Vetting your potential care provider is, therefore, important if you want to avoid heartbreak further down the line.
Untrained staff can be very dangerous
Carers are responsible for all facets of patient health and are often in situations that, without the proper training, can be harmful. Numerous care tasks, such as cooking and cleaning as well as personal and medical care, can cause infection if performed incorrectly, and care workers need to be aware of such hazards around the home.
For most seniors who have at-home or institutional care, their carers are the front-line identifiers of health risk factors. They are the first to notice unusual symptoms, whether physical, such as skin discolouration, weight loss, or unusual growths, or mental illnesses, such as increased forgetfulness or mood changes. Well-trained staff will report these anomalies to families or loved ones straight away, which means illness could be treated, or the effects mitigated before further damage occurs.
Make sure to choose a caring home care service that emphasises the high skills and competency of their staff, particularly with high-needs patients, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers, who need specialized care.
You might not be getting the best service
Make sure to do your research on the cost of the care service you’re interested in. Shop around and ask for extra information if you are not happy with what’s on the brochure or website. Over half of Americans have basic or below basic health literacy, which means they may be missing out on vital services, or may not be getting the best deal for themselves. If you can, get an actuarial value from healthcare plans to compare, which includes hidden costs not always laid out in your premiums.
If you’ve taken responsibility for finding a new doctor, therapist, or carer for a loved one, then it’s best to do due diligence and meet them face-to-face. Come prepared with questions that you can ask directly to cut through any marketing spin. If you are inspecting a nursing home or assisted living facility, take note of things like cleanliness, worn furniture and appliances, which should be modern and high-quality.
The process of vetting care workers may seem daunting, but it’s incredibly important if you want to ensure the best high-quality care for vulnerable loved ones. It’s not a decision to be made lightly, and potentially endangering family members with untrained carers or a poor service simply isn’t worth the risk. It is also important to take into consideration of the person who you are vetting for as they may have their own checklist.