Mom’s Home Care is a practical and sensible choice for many patients and family members, allowing your loved ones to remain in the comfort and peace of their own surroundings while receiving long term assistance and care. This is the favorable choice of many, to avoid the use of residential or institutionalized nursing care, where many patients are left to feel neglected and the feeling of having personalized care is almost non-existent.
With so many people relying on the use of home care services, more and more home care service agencies are popping out of the woodwork, and people are confused about where to turn for the best services for their loved ones. Every organization must provide a standardization of care and daily operational activities. There must be clear policies and procedures established in these home care organizations. Critical safety and health guidelines, as well as healthcare policies and procedures can vary in different organizations. Guidelines are set in place to help guide employees towards the goals of the organization, and what they stand for. Understanding what is expected of each person in their role, whether it be a nurse, or a home health aide; each person plays a part in the whole of the company. Following healthcare policies in home care regulations sets the tone for safe and cost effective quality home care.
The Affordable Care Act and other federal agencies require each state to follow strict regulations and have requirements that staff must meet in order to serve in roles related to public health service. The Department of Health has requirements for each state. In some states, workers may take an exam to become a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant. Many states require that personnel be licensed. Nurses such as LPN's and RN's must also be licensed in the state they wish to practice in. Many agencies also require vigorous background checks on hopeful new hires, as well as drug testing and personal and professional references. Motor vehicle checks are also done on those who may enter jobs with taking clients to and from their homes or to doctor appointments. And most agencies offer training and monitoring of staff who provide care to patients, with learning opportunities and schooling.
Patients and their families rely on many home care agencies for the care and oversight of their loved one’s care and well-being. It is not enough to only comply with the regulations set forth by each of our states, but to be a constant voice for the patient and the families in terms of needs and concerns of clients and families. They are the voices of those who receive care, and can be a voice for the client in times of dire need and change.
Ethics committees are most important in home care organizations, and help shape the way employees are educated on the importance of following home care regulations, for the ultimate safety and well-being of the clients they serve. Taking pride in providing the ultimate standards of care is what any client and family wants, and should seek when deciding to involve a home care agency in caring for a family member.
There are many resources for those seeking more information on home care regulatory issues. Some great places to start are the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, your state Department of Health, Federal Home Care Regulations in your state, you can also ask our agency about the regulations we follow and how we run our agency. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is a private organization with resources for families to use as well.
