Questions to Ask a Home Health Care Provider
Last updated: June 13, 2023
By Kaylee Yamry
What to ask before beginning home health care services
Finding the perfect home health care provider can pose unique challenges for individuals and their loved ones. Amongst these challenges might be knowing what questions to ask a home health care provider to determine if they are the best fit for your needs. That’s why we have put together this short guide of good questions to ask a home health care provider prior to starting care.
5 questions to ask a home health care provider
1. What home health care services are available?
Before selecting a home health care provider, it’s important to know and understand what home health care services they offer. For example, the team at Knute Nelson is able to provide skilled nursing, chronic illness support, medication management, home technology, in-home therapy, and more. Knowing what services a home health care agency can provide can help determine if it will be able to address your unique challenges.
2. Who will be included in my care decisions?
Before you begin receiving home health care services, you’ll want to make sure your primary doctor and chosen family members are included in your care decisions. It’s important to find out whether or not your home health care provider will value your family members’ input. At Knute Nelson, we work with you, your primary doctor, and your family members of choice to create a personalized care plan that’s ideal for your needs.
3. Does the home health care provider have 24-hour assistance available?
Depending on your unique needs, you may be interested in hiring a home health care agency where a nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the case of an emergency. At Knute Nelson, we always have a nurse on call 24/7 to help provide monitoring and care management of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, emphysema, pneumonia, IV therapy, and more.
4. What trainings or qualifications have the home health care employees received?
It’s important to know and understand the different training and knowledge the home health care team possess. Knute Nelson continues to enhance the levels of care we provide by investing in our staff members and services. Our home health care team members have the proper education and expertise to provide you with skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, case management, and other services you may need to thrive in your home.
5. What steps will the home health care provider take to ensure my home is safe?
A key role of the home health care provider is to assess your home and recommend ways to make it a safer environment for you to live. The therapy team at Knute Nelson Home Health Care will perform a safety assessment of your living space. This assessment will help them develop a recovery plan built around the ins and outs of your home, daily activities, and health needs. They may also make equipment recommendations, such as installing grab bars in your shower, to help you live as independently as possible.
Begin your home health care search with Knute Nelson
At Knute Nelson, our home health care team is here to answer all of these questions and more. If you are unsure whether home health care might be the right fit for you or a loved one, take our free online assessment to learn more about care needs and receive personalized recommendations in minutes. To speak with a professional from our team call (320) 335-8753 or fill out an inquiry form.
