If you or someone you love needs to use the services of a home health care provider, you should make sure that you are using the best company possible. Home health providers give care and treatment in the privacy of your own home and can help with care such as physical therapy, long-term care or even hospice care.

Be very picky when you are looking at home health provider companies. There are several that have records of sub-standard care or have lost their licensing or accreditation. Some key points:

1. A home health care provider company should offer health services that fit your needs, whether mild or severe.

2. A local home health care provider should meet accreditation and licensing standards federally and in your state.

3. Home health care providers should have a clean track record of business through the Better Business Bureau and state health regulation agencies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right home health providers for your needs

There are several different types of home health providers available. They range from limited services for patients that don't need much assistance to critical care providers to hospice services for end-of-life support. Find the ones that fit your needs and won't charge for additional services that you don't need.

I recommend: The National Association of Homecare Providers has a guide on how to choose the right type of home health providers for your needs. The Oregon Health & Science University outlines the different types of home health care providers.

Find a home health care provider that is part of an accredited organization

Organizations that accredit home health providers make them meet stringent guidelines to earn their accreditation. By using an accredited home health care provider company, you will know that the company has already met a standard for excellence.

I recommend: Search home health care provider listings through the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. The American Association for Homecare is well-known for home health providers.

Research your local home health provider

If you have your mind set on a certain local home health care provider, make sure to research that company before soliciting its services. There are several ways to investigate the company's track record.

I recommend: Medicare.gov has a ratings system that will let you see how home health provider companies in your area stack up. By investigating home health care providers through the Better Business Bureau, you can see if there have been any complaints.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Go with your gut when you meet with a provider for home health care. These are people who will be in your home and you should have feelings of trust for them, regardless of what their business track record says.
• •  Research Medicare and Medicaid options to help your supplement your insurance when you pay home health providers.