Here’s an inside tip that might come as a surprise to many families exploring caregiver options: Rates among licensed agencies usually only vary by 5 to 10%. When compared to differences in prices for other goods and services, it seems the range in cost is quite slim. For comparison sake, just consider that a new-model iPhone can be up to five times more expensive than a Samsung alternative!
So, if the cost of non-medical home care services is roughly the same across most agencies, how do families select the right provider? The answer is, “value.” Here are 5 ways leading home care agencies such as BrightStar Care of Torrance add tangible value for families and clients without charging more for services.
1) Director of Nursing Oversight & Supervision – The process of starting a home care agency is much simpler than most people would think. Many states, including California, have basic licensing requirements but otherwise provide little oversight and guidelines. In fact, the vast majority of private-duty caregiver companies lack clinical staff such as registered nurses (RNs).
With little government regulation in place, it’s imperative for families to thoroughly vet prospective companies. Basic questions should include inquiries regarding insurance policy coverage and employee hiring procedures. But the investigation should also look at the credentials of office staff and field supervisors.
Is there a licensed “Director of Nursing” (DON)? Are there any registered nurses (RNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) on staff? Who conducts the start-of-care assessment/consultation and ongoing case management, and what are their medical credentials?
2) Comprehensive Service Offerings – The construction industry includes a variety of “sub-contractors” who specialize in certain functions like electrical work or plumbing. But they’re often supervised by a “general contractor” who has the knowledge to view the building project holistically. Similarly, a home care agency with comprehensive service offerings such as BrightStar Care of Torrance provides insight that is often missed by those that only staff non-medical caregivers.
What happens when an aide tasked with mobility assistance, cooking and light housekeeping learns that her client has bed sores or is breathing unusually? Is she capable of identifying and responding to those risks? And if she does report them to her supervisor at the office, is that person medically qualified to respond? At the end of the day, a home care agency that utilizes licensed nurses for supervision and guidance is better prepared to address ongoing care needs that may have serious consequences if ignored.
3) Leading Technology – In a world filled with innovation, it comes as a surprise to many that the home care industry is very slow to adopt new technologies. Some regional agencies have basically operated for ten or more years without investing in their systems! And while quality caregivers and staff are ultimately the most important attributes to any home care company, superior technology helps to deliver better care and service.
Certain technologies are most likely to benefit home care clients in today’s digital world. These include advanced scheduling and billing software, and mobile phone applications that improve caregiver reliability and communication. Leading agencies such as BrightStar Care of Torrance even have GPS tools to ensure aides show up to their shifts on time and clock in virtually from the actual residence!
4) Flexibility – At a time when customer service seems to be taking a back seat in many industries, home care clients should remember that service is key when selecting a caregiver company. And “flexibility” is one of the most important attributes of quality service. An agency’s willingness to adapt to clients’ needs comes only second to the quality of care itself!
In terms of home care, flexibility means agencies can accommodate clients’ schedules and care needs. It may also mean a company can work with long-term care (LTC) insurance and/or adjust invoicing procedures. Finally, flexible providers also listen to feedback regarding caregivers (good or bad) and are willing to re-staff if requested.
5) Local Presence – The internet has created a double-edged sword when it comes to researching companies. On one hand, it provides widely available customer reviews via Yelp, Google and other platforms. But on the other hand, it allows some agencies to misrepresent or over-represent their services and reach.
One of the most common examples of this phenomenon in home care is the use of local phone numbers to suggest the existence of local offices. While some agencies do, in fact, have multiple operations across a region, others simply purchase several phone numbers with local area codes. When investigated further, these all link back to a centralized location that is often 20 or 30 miles away.
As previously suggested, a home care agency’s ultimate product is its caregivers and staff. Having a local presence matters, and there’s no substitute for agency employees who live and work in the same community. For example, a manager may need to come to the home afterhours to conduct a start-of-care assessment or quality assurance visit. And caregivers who live within a few miles of their client’s address are much more likely to prove reliable long term. Agencies like BrightStar Care of Torrance have a “true” local office.
Summary - At the end of the day, there are two important facts families should know about the home care industry. First, most companies charge similar rates, and second, value comes through quality care and service. Companies ensure top-notch care by employing licensed nurses for supervision, case management and comprehensive care solutions in the event medical duties are required. And they guarantee great service by leveraging technology and remaining flexible. Finally, companies with a local office will almost always out-perform those that bite off more than they can chew geographically speaking!
If you’re researching home care solutions for a family member or friend, be sure to call BrightStar Care of Torrance today for a free assessment led by the local Director of Nursing!
So, if the cost of non-medical home care services is roughly the same across most agencies, how do families select the right provider? The answer is, “value.” Here are 5 ways leading home care agencies such as BrightStar Care of Torrance add tangible value for families and clients without charging more for services.
1) Director of Nursing Oversight & Supervision – The process of starting a home care agency is much simpler than most people would think. Many states, including California, have basic licensing requirements but otherwise provide little oversight and guidelines. In fact, the vast majority of private-duty caregiver companies lack clinical staff such as registered nurses (RNs).
With little government regulation in place, it’s imperative for families to thoroughly vet prospective companies. Basic questions should include inquiries regarding insurance policy coverage and employee hiring procedures. But the investigation should also look at the credentials of office staff and field supervisors.
Is there a licensed “Director of Nursing” (DON)? Are there any registered nurses (RNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) on staff? Who conducts the start-of-care assessment/consultation and ongoing case management, and what are their medical credentials?
2) Comprehensive Service Offerings – The construction industry includes a variety of “sub-contractors” who specialize in certain functions like electrical work or plumbing. But they’re often supervised by a “general contractor” who has the knowledge to view the building project holistically. Similarly, a home care agency with comprehensive service offerings such as BrightStar Care of Torrance provides insight that is often missed by those that only staff non-medical caregivers.
What happens when an aide tasked with mobility assistance, cooking and light housekeeping learns that her client has bed sores or is breathing unusually? Is she capable of identifying and responding to those risks? And if she does report them to her supervisor at the office, is that person medically qualified to respond? At the end of the day, a home care agency that utilizes licensed nurses for supervision and guidance is better prepared to address ongoing care needs that may have serious consequences if ignored.
3) Leading Technology – In a world filled with innovation, it comes as a surprise to many that the home care industry is very slow to adopt new technologies. Some regional agencies have basically operated for ten or more years without investing in their systems! And while quality caregivers and staff are ultimately the most important attributes to any home care company, superior technology helps to deliver better care and service.
Certain technologies are most likely to benefit home care clients in today’s digital world. These include advanced scheduling and billing software, and mobile phone applications that improve caregiver reliability and communication. Leading agencies such as BrightStar Care of Torrance even have GPS tools to ensure aides show up to their shifts on time and clock in virtually from the actual residence!
4) Flexibility – At a time when customer service seems to be taking a back seat in many industries, home care clients should remember that service is key when selecting a caregiver company. And “flexibility” is one of the most important attributes of quality service. An agency’s willingness to adapt to clients’ needs comes only second to the quality of care itself!
In terms of home care, flexibility means agencies can accommodate clients’ schedules and care needs. It may also mean a company can work with long-term care (LTC) insurance and/or adjust invoicing procedures. Finally, flexible providers also listen to feedback regarding caregivers (good or bad) and are willing to re-staff if requested.
5) Local Presence – The internet has created a double-edged sword when it comes to researching companies. On one hand, it provides widely available customer reviews via Yelp, Google and other platforms. But on the other hand, it allows some agencies to misrepresent or over-represent their services and reach.
One of the most common examples of this phenomenon in home care is the use of local phone numbers to suggest the existence of local offices. While some agencies do, in fact, have multiple operations across a region, others simply purchase several phone numbers with local area codes. When investigated further, these all link back to a centralized location that is often 20 or 30 miles away.
As previously suggested, a home care agency’s ultimate product is its caregivers and staff. Having a local presence matters, and there’s no substitute for agency employees who live and work in the same community. For example, a manager may need to come to the home afterhours to conduct a start-of-care assessment or quality assurance visit. And caregivers who live within a few miles of their client’s address are much more likely to prove reliable long term. Agencies like BrightStar Care of Torrance have a “true” local office.
Summary - At the end of the day, there are two important facts families should know about the home care industry. First, most companies charge similar rates, and second, value comes through quality care and service. Companies ensure top-notch care by employing licensed nurses for supervision, case management and comprehensive care solutions in the event medical duties are required. And they guarantee great service by leveraging technology and remaining flexible. Finally, companies with a local office will almost always out-perform those that bite off more than they can chew geographically speaking!
If you’re researching home care solutions for a family member or friend, be sure to call BrightStar Care of Torrance today for a free assessment led by the local Director of Nursing!