Choosing a Home Healthcare Provider

Deciding which home healthcare provider to use for your own or your loved one's care can be difficult. Many factors are important in determining a quality home healthcare provider, but the tips below can help you make an informed decision.

Accreditation – Has the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) certified the organization? A JCAHO stamp of approval indicates the home healthcare provider has been evaluated and approved.

Medicare and Medicaid coverage – Talk to your physician or another community source to determine whether the home healthcare provider participates in Medicare or Medicaid.

Reputation – Word of mouth is worth a lot, so advice from your hospital or friends and family can be valuable in choosing a home healthcare provider.

Emergency Services – Choose a home healthcare provider who will be there whenever they're needed.

Communication – Be sure the home healthcare provider will be communicating regularly with your doctor.