How to know getting valid info from Healthcare nurse and others

DahliaFlower

My Mom has had 24/7 home healthcare for over 3 years now from a Health Care company. My brother was there during the last evaluation. How do we know we are getting an objective evaluation as the assessing nurse, caregiver, and Health Care company are all saying they can handle things with our Mom. We pay a lot of money for Mom's care and have some concern that they may just want to keep the money coming in. Thoughts? Thanks!!

lscarandino

If you have an office of aging, area agency on aging, or long term living type state/county agency, they might be able to help review his care, services, etc they often serve as advocates for people in the community. If they can't help directly, they'd be the best resource for direction that I am aware of.

towhee

A second opinion from a geriatric care manager who is not connected with the current company, cameras in the home, consultation with her doctor, info from friends and neighbors who might visit.

harshedbuzz

@DahliaFlower

I didn't reply sooner because I didn't want to come off as snarky, but I just don't understand what you are asking.

Do you feel your mom is being neglected in some way? Is she not cleaned? Does she have bedsores? Does the house smell?

Assuming your mom has some form of dementia diagnosed by an appropriate clinician, I am unsure what your expectation is. Dementia is a terminal condition; she isn't going to "get better". Are you wanting the home health folks to tell you when you should place her in a MCF or SNF because they can no longer meet her needs? That probably won't happen as most PWD can age-in-place with either family supported by professional aides or just aides.

As for "keeping the money coming in", there is a serious and chronic shortage of people trained and willing to work in this industry. If you quit this company, they would likely have no trouble finding new families happy to hire them. They probably have a waiting list.

HB

Marta

Just ask yourself whether you/your family could handle mom’s care without that company. If not, you need them and are lucky to have them.

PollySmith

Hi there. Let me first say your concerns are very valid. I have a slightly different perspective than others as I am a professional caregiver. I’ve been licensed in this field for 22 years, 21 of those being strictly MC. Have you seen or asked the home health company for a copy of their assessment? Im assuming she has a PCP, ask them to do their own assessment. Compare them. Have you considered talking with your hospice center to see if she qualifies for their services? Hospice will work with a home health company if your decision is to have her age in place at home. If that’s not what you want, hospice can assist you with finding a facility.