Select a home care service provider with the same care and attention you would apply to any important decision.

• Ask whether the home care agency protects its workers and patients with insurance coverage such as Worker’s Compensation and liability insurance. If the agency does not provide insurance coverage, you will need to determine the types of insurance coverage you will be required to supply in order to protect yourself.
• Contact Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance carrier to determine which home care services are eligible for reimbursement.
• Obtain and read literature describing the home care agency’s services, reimbursement procedures and patient rights.
• Select an agency that can provide the coverage you will need. The number of service hours will be determined by the Registered Professional Nurse (R.N.) and your insurance company. Be specific about the number of hours (either daily or weekly) that you will need a home health aide. Clarify, in advance, whether the same home health aide will always be available.
• Keep thorough health records and maintain them in a place where others can easily locate them.
• Always keep valuables, money, jewelry and personal financial records in a safe place.