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Helping You Choose Helping You Choose Quality Home Care |
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Helping You Choose Quality Home Care and Hospice Services Choosing home care or hospice services can be an emotional and difficult decision. But gathering the right information can help make your decision easier. First of all, be sure to understand the needs of the patient – whether that is you or a loved one. Next, know what to ask when you talk to representatives from the home care or hospice program. The Joint Commission has put together a list of questions to help you get the information you need.
There are many different types of health care services provided in the home:
Ask your doctor or the hospital discharge planner or social worker to recommend a few local home care or hospice programs. Talk with representatives from each one, and use the questions in this brochure to help you get the information you need to choose the best organization for you. Questions to ask before choosing a home care or hospice organization
YES NO What types of services does the home care or hospice provide? Does it offer services for children? YES NO How long has the home care or hospice been in business? YES NO Does the home care or hospice accept payment from Medicare and Medicaid? Does it have a list of its fees and services? Can the home care or hospice help you find financial help if you need it? YES NO How does the home care or hospice train and manage its staff? Does a supervisor come to the patient's home to review the care being given? Are the home care workers licensed and bonded? YES NO Is the home care or hospice prepared in case of an emergency like a power failure or a natural disaster? Will it still be able to deliver the services you need? YES NO Does the home care or hospice have volunteers who visit the patient at home? YES NO Does an independent group like the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations review the home care or hospice? Accreditation means that the home care or hospice has met national standards for patient care and safety. YES NO Will the home care or hospice create a care plan just for you or your loved one? You and your home care professional should agree on the services the patient will receive, how often the visits will take place, and how long treatment will last. YES NO Does a nurse or therapist conduct an initial visit and review the type of care the patient needs at home? Are family members, doctors or other health care professionals involved in this review? YES NO If medical equipment like a suction machine, oxygen or wheel chair is needed, will the home care or hospice teach the patient or responsible family members how to use the equipment in the home? YES NO How often is medical equipment checked? Are replacements included? YES NO Does the home care or hospice explain the patient's rights and responsibilities? Will you receive a copy of a "Patient Bill of Rights?" YES NO How does the home care or hospice make sure that each patient's treatment remains confidential? YES NO Does the home care or hospice have a 24-hour telephone number you can call when you have questions or complaints? YES NO Does the home care or hospice have a list of references, such as doctors and patients and their family members that you can contact? Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates more than 15,000 health care facilities in the United States, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, laboratories, behavioral health care organizations, health plans and home care organizations. To find out if the home care or hospice you are considering is accredited by the Joint Commission, go to www.qualitycheck.org. QualityCheck™ is a guide to all Joint Commission accredited health care organizations, and includes the organization's name, address, telephone number, accreditation decision and accreditation date, and website, if available. QualityCheck also has performance reports that include information about the organization's overall performance level, and how it compares to other organizations in specific areas. If a report you'd like to see is not available on QualityCheck, or if you don't have access to a computer, call the Customer Service Center, (630) 792-5800. 1/04 |
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