When you begin your search for a home health care provider, you want to make sure to ask lots of questions. Asking if your home care provider is licensed in your state is an overlooked question because in most cases you just assume that your provider has to be, and therefore they are. While 99% of the time the assumption is correct, it still does not hurt to ask and to request to see their license.

The second most overlooked question is asking if they work directly with your doctor. In other words, this question addresses if they will follow your doctor’s orders or if they have a staff doctor who knows little about your situation. Every person’s situation is unique, so it is important to ask what type of care provider will be caring for you or your loved one.

You or your loved one will be asked to get up and move around (if able, so that your fall risk can be evaluated). Any special dietary needs will be addressed; a safety check will be done at home to make sure there are no fall or injury risks. The nurse will report her findings during her visit back to St. Bernardine Care Providers and a decision will be made as to what type of home care provider will best serve your needs as well as to how often and long someone should be with you or your loved one.