How to Change Home Care Provider Without Drama

It’s disappointing when the home healthcare you have for your loved one isn’t living up to its standards.

Maybe the caregiver isn’t the best fit. Maybe the service isn’t reliable. Or maybe you’ve discovered your loved one’s needs have changed.

Whatever the reason, deciding to switch home care providers is a significant step. It can become especially frustrating when you’re trying to figure out how to change home care providers.

But don’t worry. You’re not alone. Changing home care providers is a normal part of ensuring your loved one is receiving the best possible care.

Here’s a walkthrough of the process, from recognizing the signs that it’s time for a change to finding the perfect new fit.

What Is Home Health Care?

Many people, who are unfamiliar with the health care landscape, ask, “What Is Home Health Care”?

Home healthcare is at-home support for people who have been discharged from a hospital or a skilled nursing facility but are not able to travel to doctor appointments or the clinic alone. And this type of health care has become a popular service in American society.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2020, there were about 11,400 home health agencies in the United States.

Currently, 17.5 percent of the American population are now 65 years or older, and the demand for home-based support services keeps increasing. In addition, about 12 million Americans receive home healthcare services annually.

Signs It May Be Time to Change Providers

When you have a loved one using a home health care service, your loved one’s health becomes a top priority. However, sometimes it can be difficult to know when you should change providers. Home healthcare experts have provided a list of signs for family members to look for when determining whether a change needs to be made.

Inadequate Care

You’re a few weeks into working with a home care agency, and you start noticing that the home health care staff, such as the home health aides (HHAs) and the licensed practical nurses (LPNs), are not providing your loved one with the best care. The quality of care does not meet your expectations.

Maybe there are bruises from when the HHA tried to turn over your loved one while in bed. Or maybe the LPN is not giving your loved one the right medication. Maybe the HHA is forgetting to cook and prepare some of the meals.

Sometimes, these mistakes occur because the staff members do not have the experience needed to care for your loved one, or they haven’t received proper training. Other times, staff members may be experiencing “caregiver burnout.”

This is a time when you need to find a new home health agency as soon as possible. 

Keeping your loved one with this home health agency may put your loved one’s life in danger, and you want to avoid that.

No Companionship

One of the most important responsibilities of the home service staff care requirements is to provide companionship.

Many patients, including your loved ones, may feel isolated. This can especially occur if the patient is bedridden and rarely goes out of the home.

The home care staff is there not only to provide medical services but to make sure the patient doesn’t feel lonely.

They are there to talk with the patients and participate in activities with the patients, such as playing cards or watching TV. The goal is for the staff member or members to engage in the activity jointly with the patient.

However, there are times where the caregiver may not “click” with the patient. Other times, a caregiver may not make “companionship” a top priority.

As a result, the bond between the patient and the caregiver may not meet the patient’s social needs. If this occurs, you may want to find a home care agency with a staff that fits better with the client’s personality.

Your Loved One’s Condition Has Worsened

When your loved one’s health condition deteriorates, the home care services may need to change.

You may notice your loved one’s weight has dropped. In other instances, the loved one may struggle with self care and show poor hygiene.

Or maybe, if your loved one has a chronic condition, like Alzheimer’s disease, you’re finding it more difficult to communicate.

These signs may indicate that you might need to change home health providers. When you notice these signs, take a minute and evaluate if your provider has all the specialized services to take care of your loved one as his or her health declines.

The worsening condition may need specific services that the present home care agency is not able to provide. This is a sign that you should start looking for another home health care service that is able to offer everything your loved ones needs.

Just be sure to give adequate notice to your present home health agency that you’re switching home care companies, so you can ensure a smooth transition.

Evidence of Abuse

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it is estimated that more than 10 percent of the country’s elderly population (those that are 65 years or older) experience some form of elder abuse in a year.

Elder abuse occurs when an individual takes action that causes or creates a risk of harm for the older adult. The actions do not have to be intentional. Types of elder abuse can include:

• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Neglect and abandonment
• Sexual abuse

The perpetrators, who commit elderly abuse, do not have to be strangers. They can be family members, spouses, and home care providers.

You can suspect abuse if you observe suspicious bruises, neglected wounds, or changes in your loved one’s behavior. For instance, your loved one may seem more frightened and less trusting.

Weight changes can also be an indication that some kind of elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, it is time to notify the home service staff supervisors and to find another home care company.

Other Reasons to Switch

Other signs it might be time to change home providers include:

• Unreliability.
• Lack of communication.
• The cost is too high.
• High caregiver turnover
• Billing irregularities
• The caregiver you’re using has moved to another agency.

Talk to the Home Care Agency

Before immediately looking for a new home care provider, it may be wise to try talking to the agency first. You can write a list of all the concerns you have and then discuss those specific concerns with the supervisor.

In addition, you can request a care plan review.

The care plan is a customized and detailed document which serves as a roadmap showing you how the home care company will deliver care to your loved one. The care plan will go over the patient’s medical conditions, goals, required treatments, medications, equipment needs, personal preferences, and contact information.

As a part of the review, you can sit down with the supervisor and re-evaluate the goals and how the goals are met. You can brainstorm new ways to meet the objectives if the present plan isn’t working.

You can make sure your loved one receives all the required services, including new ones that weren’t previously written in the care plan.

The supervisors may be able to switch out the inexperienced staff members with more skilled employees who will provide your loved one with everything he or she needs.

Review Your Current Home Care Agreement

Once you’ve decided you need to find another home provider, check your home care contract to make sure you are following the right directions.

A home health contract, which others may refer to as a care agreement or care contract, is a formal document which outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and terms of care provided to your loved one in his or her home.

The contract can include guidelines for cancellation policies and notice requirements. For instance, you will want to notify the agency that you’ve terminated services.

You may also have to pay a fee to break the contract. Some agencies might allow you to “buy out” of the contract. In some cases, this could be the best solution, because you may want to avoid burning bridges.

It’s also important to review what services you are presently receiving, so you can make sure the next home care company will supply you with the same support.

The best home care agencies, like All American Home Care, always listen to your needs and equip you the finest solutions. 

Review and Select a New Home Care Provider

Looking for a new home care provider can be tedious. You’ve already given one company a try, and it didn’t work out.

Just because one company doesn’t work shouldn’t make you gun shy to try a new home agency. You should just use your experiences from the previous time to make a more informed decision.

As you choose the new home care agency, keep the following factors in mind:

• Make sure you know everything your loved one needs.
• Research and make sure the new home care company has the proper licenses and is accredited.
• Make sure the new home care company provides the services your loved one needs.
• Check the agency’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials..
• Compare costs and payment options.

· Look for any red flags. This is where you learn from your previous trial and then use your newfound knowledge to ensure those previous red flags won’t happen again.

Set Up Care with the New Provider

Once you’ve chosen your new provider, schedule an initial assessment and care plan meeting. When you meet with the staff, discuss your expectations and what you want to see in your loved one’s daily routine.

Also, introduce your loved one to the new caregivers. If it’s possible, have them come over to the home, so they can become familiar with the environment and get to know the patient. You want to see whether their personalities will match one another.

Your loved one’s medical records are a top priority. Ensure that your loved one’s medical records have been sent over to the new provider.

You want to ensure a smooth handover to the next home care agency.

Making the Switch with Confidence

Here’s some final thoughts. Changing home care providers can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step in advocating for your loved one’s well-being. Whether you’re concerned about inadequate care, lack of companionship, or a change in medical needs, recognizing the signs and knowing how to change home care providers empowers you to take action.

You can start by communicating your concerns with the current agency, reviewing your care agreement, and researching new options thoroughly. Be sure to prioritize compatibility, credentials, and the services your loved one truly needs.

With the right steps and the right information, you can make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring your loved one receives the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.