Short term in home nursing/home health care

[Anonymous]

An elderly relative is schedule for surgery and we would like to arrange a nurse and possibly a home health aid to assist in the days/couple of weeks following surgery. Patient is in NOVA but close to DC. Can folks here recommend any reputable companies?

[Anonymous]

They will probably quality for home health care visits after surgery through Medicare. The hospital social worker can help with that. If you are looking for additional help that will be private pay. Sorry I don’t have NOVA recs.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your message, but yes I am looking for private pay.

[Anonymous]

We had a decent experience with Georgetown Home Health. They are good for short term, you can schedule week by week.

[Anonymous]

Will your relative require rehab, especially after being hospitalized? Medicare might pay for a few days.

[Anonymous]

If you are near Arlington/Falls Church look into Goodwin House for rehab.

[Anonymous]

We used several different companies in N. Va over time and all were fine-some great people, some mediocre, a few bad experiences. This was over 5 years ago and turnover is high. Besides posting here, check recent reviews.Occasionally someone would post a name and we'd see if we could request that person, but keep in mind people can recommend themselves.

With each company we would have a bad experience and then move on. Here are somethings to consider:
1.) Make sure you have access to finances so you can see if relative is writing checks to caregivers (in addition to company). One caregiver told a sob story to get handouts.

2.) Find out the plan if a caregiver does not show up or is more than an hour late and also find out how shifts work. Usually one cannot leave until next one shows up.

3.) Good that you plan to use a company even though it's more expensive. Make sure bonded and insured and that they do background checks.

I assume it will at least 8 hours a day, possibly 24? It's hard to get part-time care.