InnovAge Colorado PACE - Denver

Finding and utilizing home care services is a personal experience, as caregivers often become a part of your family. It is vital to know what to ask when you begin your search.First determine if you need skilled or non-skilled home care. Skilled home care professionals are licensed and certified and provide medical care based on a doctors order. Non-skilled or non-medical home care professionals assist with bathing, cooking, cleaning, or dressing. Non-medical home care doesn't require a physicians order and can include transportation to and from appointments and outings, errand running, companionship, medication reminders, and protective oversight. It often offers the needed support to help you or your loved one continue to live at home as long as possible.These questions and answers can help you assess potential home care agencies for non-skilled home care:1) Is the agency licensed with the state? What areas of town do you serve?ALL home care providers are required to be licensed with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and agencies must indicate the counties they will serve. Licensing provides an additional level of oversight and creates an outside source for complaints or concerns. 2) Are your caregivers hired as full-time or just as needed? Can the caregivers cover up to 24/7 care?Agencies who offer full-time staffing create a more consistent schedule of caregivers for yourself or your loved one, verses those who only staff on an as-needed basis.3) Am I able to increase or decrease hours if my loved ones needs change? What is the process I need to follow?As we age, our needs typically increase. Make sure you choose a home care agency that can meet your changing needs to minimize switching agencies later.4) Describe the training your caregivers receive. Does it include safe driving training?Caregivers are required to be trained annually in the duties they perform. Caregivers often provide transportation for yourself or your loved one. Look for a company that trains caregivers in safe-driving techniques.5) Are you and your caregivers bonded and insured?This covers your caregiver if they are injured in your home as well as replacement costs if damages or losses are inadvertently caused by a caregiver.6) How often will staff conduct supervisory visits?State regulations require at least one visit every 90 days. Some agencies conduct more to improve customer service and better monitor your assigned care plan. 7) What do I do if I have a complaint/concern and when can I expect a response?All agencies have procedures for complaints/concerns. Its important to clearly understand the procedures and expected outcomes8) What are the policies or procedures regarding missed/cancelled visits or inclement weather?Its important to understand the agency's cancellation/reschedule policies. Is there a required notification time? Associated charge? If your caregiver is ill, what is the agency's backup plan to make sure your needs are met?Getting answers to these questions are the first steps in your journey to finding the right provider for you and your loved one.Editors Note: Courtney Despos, an expert in home care for aging adults, is Vice President of Home Care at InnovAge. For more information regarding your home care options, contact InnovAge at 877.894.0923.