Exploring Home Health Care Benefits

An increasing number of people are seeking out options for in-home health care. There are several options, but one of the best options is to go with an in-home care agency for your loved one. If you choose this option, you will likely have a consultation before anyone is scheduled to come to the home. During this consultation, there are several key points of information you need to tell the agency representative. Here are a few of those points to cover during your consultation. 

Medication Times

You may think to list the medications your loved one is taking, but what you may not remember is to list are the times they take the medications. Remember, some medications need to be taken at a specific time each day. Medications such as blood pressure and heart medications should be taken at specific times to avoid complications. Other medications should be taken with food or a specific amount of times per day. If your loved one is on any of these medications that need specific times for their dosing, let the agency know. They can assign a home health aide that is certified in medication administration if your state requires it. 

Sleeping Preferences

There will be times when you may want to have a home health aide with your loved one while they nap or during overnight hours. If you need this service, you will need to inform the agency representative. You will need to make sure the agency knows about the times when your loved one may take a nap or sleep for the night. Knowing this, along with the type of routine they have at these times, can be useful in ensuring that your loved one stays on routine and that they are not disturbed during these hours. If your loved one needs to use the bathroom during this time, or if waking during these hours is common, let the representative know as well. 

Rules of the Home

Most people have rules for their home for guests. These same rules may apply to the home health aide that is sent to the home. Make sure the agency knows about these rules and preferences. For example, your loved one may want the home health aide to stay out of certain parts of the home. They may also want their food at a certain time. They may have a maid service that visits and should not be disturbed. Any key points like these should be mentioned. 

Keep in mind that sharing information about your loved one's medical situation and their daily lifestyle may seem odd at first. The key point to remember is that sharing this information will help the in-home care agency will help your loved one gets the proper care. If you have any questions about the educational background and certifications of the home health aides or other related information, ask during your consultation.