Have you used a home health agency?

[Anonymous]

Have you used a home health agency? If so... how did you go about choosing it? We are looking after an elderly dad. We've been given a list to choose from. (We are in Virginia.) Any good advice on what to look for and what to avoid? Any experiences with agencies, either good or bad? Thanks so much for any words of wisdom on this.

[Anonymous]

I had to have an agency come in when I left the hospital with an implanted Iv line. A nurse came daily to change dressings, take bp, etc. I guess I was ill because I don't remember giving too much thought to this. The hospital had a list and I just picked one.

[Anonymous]

When my family member was released from a hospital/rehabilitation center, she began using Five Star Home Health for inhome services. She had nurse visits initially, but it's mostly been physical therapists (2 rotate) and a health aide. She has been very pleased with the services.

As I recall, the caseworker at INOVA hospital coordinated the selection of the home health services. The patient has the right to choose whatever company they want obviously, but INOVA has companies they work with on a continual basis and that also meet Medicare requirements. The caseworker made some calls to see which company had available staff for the patient's needs in conjunction with hospital discharge date.

Hope that helps!