Home care is quickly becoming the most popular alternative to nursing homes and assisted living centers. While many of these facilities offer excellent care for the elderly, they simply cannot provide the level of personal service and independence offered by an Orange County homecare agency.

According to a study,"Aging in Place in America," commissioned by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, 89% of seniors want to grow older without having to move from their homes. In many cases, homecare agencies can serve the needs of this growing population by enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life in their familiar and comfortable home environment. They can receive help with everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, preparing meals, light housekeeping, running errands, and other daily living activities.

Before choosing an Orange County homecare agency you want to make sure your loved one is in good hands. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing companies:

Who is the employer? It may sound like a strange question to ask, but homecare agencies come in all shapes and sizes. From a safety and liability perspective, you want to hire a company that manages everything from payroll to taxes to worker’s compensation insurance. If you don’t, you will be considered the employer and will ultimately be responsible for handling the many legal and financial issues involved with homecare.

What is their experience? It may go without saying, but experience matters. How long has the Orange County homecare agency been in business? Has the agency provided similar services to other clients in the past? What does its past and current clients have to say?

Do they offer a free consultation? Most reputable homecare agencies offer a free consultation to provide a comprehensive assessment of your loved one’s needs.

Do they have a rigorous employee screening process? It’s important that the Orange County homecare agency conduct thorough background checks on all employees. Checking criminal, professional, and personal references is critical to make sure your loved one is being cared for by a qualified caregiver.

What is the plan of care? Developing a plan of care is important because it enables you to clarify expectations about what and how much care is going to be provided. From personal care to cooking meals to attending doctor visits, everyone is involved in determining the best course of home care.

How accessible are they? How easy or difficult will it be to reach the people in charge? This is especially important on nights and weekends. Will you be able to speak with a person when you call the agency or will you reach an answering machine if you call after normal business hours?

These are just a few of the areas to examine when selecting the right Orange County homecare agency for you or your loved one. Ask the tough questions and do your homework so you can make an informed decision. Visit www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 877.422.2270 to learn more about the many benefits of homecare.