Sometimes an elderly loved one will have an injury or develop an illness or chronic medical condition that requires they have someone help them at home. If the situation requires a higher level of medical expertise or if family members do not have the time, training or strength to deal with the situation on their own, a Home Health Agency may be needed.

As the name suggests, Home Health Agencies can provide your loved one with skilled care for such things as dressing wounds, administering medication and bathing so they can return home to recuperate from an illness or injury that might otherwise require a stay in the hospital or a nursing home.

When shopping for a Home Health Agency, be sure to do your homework. The services, costs, times and terms of delivery will vary from agency to agency, so make sure the agency you select will meet your needs. Here are some tips to help you:

• Make sure your loved one's physician or hospital has designed a discharge plan that includes all of the services your loved needs, as well as the times and how often things must be done. This will help you determine how many days a week and how many hours a day the agency will visit your loved one at home.


• Make sure the agency is licensed, accredited and certified to perform the services you need. The agency should be insured and their employees should be adequately trained and bonded. Find out how the company deals with problems, such as theft or unacceptable behaviors. Ask for and check references.


• You should get a written statement indicating the services they will provide, the cost and payment procedures. Ask for a copy of the service plan, including a schedule of when specific duties will be done.


• If possible, you and your loved one should meet and agree upon the person who will be providing your loved one's care. Ask about the company's policy if that particular healthcare worker is unable to make a scheduled visit.


• Ideally, there should be someone at home with your loved one to make sure they are receiving the care they need. If that is not possible, check in with your loved one after service has begun to be sure that they are happy with the service.

If you find that you need additional help with making decisions and managing the care of an elderly loved one, you may want to consider hiring a Care Manager. This person will help evaluate your loved one and their situation, design a plan and help arrange the services. They can also monitor the services of the home health agency and make suggestions when the service plan needs to be updated. Many care managers will accompany their clients when they go to the doctor or hospital and will keep the family apprised of their loved one's situation.

Click here to search Google for care manager options.

Long-term-care insurance will sometimes pay for the costs associated with home health agencies. Check with your insurance agent for guidelines.

To learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance, click here.

To learn more about Home Health Agencies, call the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging's Information & Referral Specialists at 1-800-96-ELDER.