How To Choose A Home Care Agency
The Philadelphia area is home to many home care agencies, which mainly fall into two categories: local businesses and franchises. While franchises are locally owned and operated, they are generally required to adhere to policies and procedures dictated by the national entity. By contrast, local independent businesses may have more flexibility. Modern Health Home Care is an independent company formed in Philadelphia to serve Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Regardless of type, the following are some criteria to consider when considering home care agencies.
Caregivers as Employees
Caregivers should be W-2 employees of the agency you choose, not contractors. This protects you from liability in the event of an injury and prevents you from being sued by Caregivers. Caregivers' employees of a licensed agency are covered by the company’s worker’s compensation policy. The company’s general liability insurance and bonding (also known as theft insurance) protect you. Additionally, agencies take care of payroll taxes, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Caregiver Vetting The topic of background checks is more complicated than a simple yes or no. A range of background checks is available. An individual can obtain the most basic type from his or her local police department, but the scope of this check is local and extremely limited. While some home care companies might rely only on this most basic check, many go a step further with a slightly more expensive standard background check, including a national criminal search. However, many offenses will not appear in the widespread screening and others will not perform as “criminal” offenses. Modern Health Home Care invests in the most thorough background checks allowable by law, which go back seven years. Be sure to ask what is included in the background checks for any agency you’re considering. Not All Background Checks Are Created Equal
Criminal Activity – National
Criminal Activity – ALL Counties of Residence (7 years)
Sex Offender Search
Global Watchlist Search
Flexible Scheduling All home care agencies in Pennsylvania are required to accommodate client decisions to cancel or change planned services without penalty, so all should be flexible. However, most agencies have a fixed hourly rate and minimum visit duration, which means you have to pay for a minimum of two or three hours, even if you only need a Caregiver for one hour. Modern Health Home Care does not have a minimum visit duration or a minimum number of hours per week. If you only need one hour of help, we will be happy to accommodate you. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Modern Health Home Care is a local, independent company. We are here to serve you, regardless of how much or how little care you need. We will listen to you, then work with you to create a care plan that’s as unique as you are. Please contact us to learn more!
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