Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care can be described as any medical or non-medical service provided in the home to maintain a person’s well-being, thereby avoiding or prolonging a hospital or nursing home stay. Medical services include therapies such as physical, occupational, speech and skilled nursing. Non-medical services include assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). ADLs are personal care service needs that include, but are not limited to assistance with bathing, dressing, ambulation, toileting and incontinence care. IADLs are homemaking services which include tasks performed to provide the patient with an opportunity for socialization, comfort and safety in the home. These tasks may include housekeeping, laundry, meal prep and food shopping. Health Force can assist you with all of your ADL and IADL needs.
Q: Why should I hire a licensed home care agency instead of a private home health aide?
A: When consumers utilize a licensed home care agency in New Jersey, they are protected and can file a complaint against fraudulent agency practices with the Division of Consumer Affairs (www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/regulate.htm). Health Force is a New Jersey home health care agency licensed as a Health Care Service Firm. We abide by all state regulations including, but not limited to payment of employer taxes, bonding and insuring employees for liability and workers compensation, written and skill competency testing, supervision by a registered nurse (RN), etc. When hiring a private home health aide, consumers are required to supply workers compensation and liability insurance, as well as deduct and report all appropriate federal and state taxes from wages paid. Also, when hiring a private home health aide, there is no availability of replacement coverage when the aide calls out. Additionally, the private home health aide may not be appropriately trained or qualified to handle the client care.
Q: What is the benefit of hiring an accredited home care agency?
A: An accredited home care agency is your assurance of the agency’s compliance with state regulations and industry accepted standards. The home care agency is held accountable to and overseen by the accrediting body which acts as the eyes and ears for state agencies that protect consumer rights. The Health Force Trenton office has earned the designation of “Full Accreditation with Distinction” for Personal Care Services for more than a decade. This elite designation assures the public that Health Force continues to deliver the highest level of quality patient care.
Q: Do you employ certified home health aides?
A: All of Health Force’s personal care (ADL) caregivers are certified home health aides (CHHAs) and retain an active license with the New Jersey Board of Nursing. All certified home health aides have completed a state approved 76 hour training program. The State of New Jersey conducts a state and federal criminal background check before issuance and upon biannual renewal of a CHHA license. In those instances where only IADLs are needed, non-certified employees may be utilized. Health Force employees are bonded, insured and covered by the company workers compensation policy. As company employees, all necessary employment taxes are withheld.
Q: What is your hiring process?
A: All potential hires must successfully complete a rigorous hiring process before being offered employment with Health Force. Upon passage of a written competency exam, applicants complete an application indicating their education, work experience and references. Applicants are interviewed to assess their capabilities and understanding of the duties they will perform. Two business references are verified. Legal authority to work in the U.S is retained. Home health aide licenses are verified with the Board of Nursing to ensure they are active and in good standing. All applicants are medically cleared to provide care in the home. Certified home health aides must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment hands-on skills assessment performed by an RN. Additionally, a pre- employment in office orientation is held to educate and test applicants on subjects including OSHA, HIPAA and elder abuse as well as other job related topics.
Q: Does the agency have a Registered Nurse (RN) on staff for client case monitoring and home health aide supervisions?
A: Yes, only an RN can make these visits. Every Health Force case managed client receives an in home visit during service hours initially upon start of care. At least once every 60 days a case monitoring visit is made to determine if the plan of care continues to meet the client’s needs. Changes in the plan of care are reviewed with the home health aide to ensure the client is receiving the appropriate level of care. Additionally, every Health Force home health aide is supervised at a clients’ home on their first day of employment and at least once within every 60 days as required by licensure to confirm adherence with the plan of care developed by the RN.
Q: Who creates a written plan of care for clients?
A: Along with input from the client and family, an individualized plan of care can ONLY be developed and implemented by a Registered Nurse (RN) as required by licensure.
Q: Will I have the same home health aide all the time, or will I have different people in and out of my house?
A: Not only is it comforting to know the same person will come to your home all the time but relationships develop between the client and home health aide. Health Force schedules the same home health aide all the time. This is referred to as “continuity of care.” Continuity of care plays a vital role in successful home care services since consistent aide service has a greater chance of identifying even the slightest change in a patients’ physical or mental well being. Any change in a client’s condition is reported to the office for the Director of Nursing (DON) to take appropriate action. This intervention may avoid or eliminate the need for a hospital stay. On occasion, you may have a different aide when a call out occurs. Generally, this is a temporary situation. We will work hard to find a replacement aide and keep you informed of our progress.
Q: Can I request a new home health aide if I am dissatisfied with the aide you send me?
A: While every effort is made to find the perfect match for you, occasionally we are unsuccessful. Health Force will work diligently to meet your needs until you are satisfied. When conflicts arise, we listen to your concerns and work towards a conflict resolution. Sometimes, simply changing the aide will correct the situation.
Q: How do I pay for home care?
A: Medicare can pay for short term home health aide services after a hospital or rehabilitation stay when accompanied by a skilled nursing need.
Otherwise, the following payment options are available to pay for short or long term home health aide services:
- Commercial Health Insurance
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Veteran’s Benefits
- Reverse Mortgage Funding
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Automobile Insurance
- Medicaid
- Private Pay
Contact our office to discuss your personal situation.
Q: Why choose Health Force?
A: Quality patient care starts with a commitment to excellence. Strict hiring practices, ongoing supervision, employee education, continuity of care, personalized customer service, nurse case management and 24 hour clinical support define the Health Force difference!