It all starts by choosing the right home care agency

Step 1 of 5 – Is the agency licensed? Illinois law requires that home services agencies, even those that are non-medical, now have a valid license.

Step 2 of 5 – Is the agency insured? Proper liability and workers compensation insurance are not just the law, they protect you. Without these insurances provided by the agency you may become liable to pay for this later down the road.

Step 3 of 5 – Does the agency train its staff? Proper training and care techniques promote your healthy living and a properly trained caregiver is better able to identify an emergency situation. Illinois law now requires that caregivers undergo 8 hours of certified training annually. Ask to see the certificate of training.

Step 4 of 5 – Does your agency screen its caregivers? You have the right to demand not only proof of the agency having a license and insurance, but also if they have conducted a criminal background check, sex offender check and drug screen on your caregiver. You want to know who you are entrusting with your care!

Step 5 of 5 – Know what the fees are up front. Some agencies charge an “hourly minimum” for their services while other agencies do not. Before you begin working with an agency, be sure to ask questions and understand all billing policies.

While Madigan together with the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Department on Aging’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program are focusing on protecting nursing home residents, families who contract with individuals to care for an aging loved one out of the home, such compliance falls in their hands.

“With so many people working within nursing homes, while having active warrants out for their arrest, there is no doubt that the same unfortunate situations are taking place in individual’s homes. It is important that families utilizing care within their homes are taking caution when doing so” said Michael Collura, President of In Home Personal Services. When families who are receiving in home care for an aging loved one contract with agencies that are licensed, bonded, and insured they can rest assured that the person providing the care is free of active warrants.

Illinois law requires home services agencies, even those that are providing non-medical care, to have a valid licensure and hold proper liability and workers compensation insurance. In order to qualify for valid licensure from the Illinois Department of Public Health, agencies need to provide proof that their employees and contractors have passed criminal background checks. In addition to the necessary licensure and insurance, in September of 2009, the Illinois Department of Public Health passed legislation which requires home services workers to complete 8 hours of hands on training annually. Compliance with these laws is not only important for the agencies, but most importantly, it protects the aging loved one who is receiving care.

To provide well educated caregivers to fill such a demand, Matthews Home Health and Caregiver Center opened its doors in April of 2009. Matthews also provides outplacement services to the industry and offers courses for both family caregivers providing care to a loved one, as well as for professional caregivers.

Matthews Free Family Caregiver Classes educate family members caring for a loved one with “how to” demonstrations on assisting with basic activities of daily living. These classes also provide insight on the emotional and physical needs of an aging loved one and serve as a forum for networking and resource referrals from families in similar situations. The aging process can be a difficult one and with such a large number of people on the cusp of becoming seniors, Matthews Home Health and Caregiver Center hopes to provide families with the knowledge and resources to ensure peace of mind.

The professional caregiver courses provide continuing education opportunities for caregivers, with the necessary training in compliance with regulations from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Matthews Home Service Worker Class was developed to provide caregivers with both lecture and hands-on training. Upon completion of the class, a certificate in compliance with the state regulations will be provided to the caregiver. Matthews Home Health and Caregiver Center strives to go above and beyond fulfilling the basic training requirements and regulations set by the state. Sensitivity and bedside manor techniques are also taught to promote independence and quality of life for seniors.