Selecting the Right Private Duty Care

All Non-Medical Private Duty Care is not Created Equal

When looking for help ask these questions:

1. Is your company a member in good standing of the National Private Duty Association?

As a condition of membership in the National Private duty Association, a company voluntarily pays employment taxes, workman’s compensation and liability insurance so YOU don’t have to. Also, the company takes responsibility for extensive screenings ongoing training and supervision.

2. Is your company licensed and what kind of license does it have?

Ivory House Health Services is licensed as both a Residential Service Agency and a Nurse Staffing Agency. This allows our employees to work in private residences and a variety of facilities (hospital, assisted living, nursing/rehabilitation, continuing care retirement communities, hospice etc.)

3. What kind of screening takes place before you hire a certified nursing or geriatric assistant as an employee?

Ivory house Health Service conducts extensive background screening including criminal background and driver safety. At the time of the first interview, candidates must provide validity of Maryland certified nursing or geriatric aide status (CNA or GNA), a current CPR card and proof of a negative test for tuberculosis. A proficiency skills test is administered and the applicant must achieve a minimum of 80% correct to be further considered. IHHS provides ongoing training, both formal and informal, by registered nurse once a candidate becomes an IHHS employee.

4. What can I expect the aides will do on a daily basis?

Aides are able to perform all of the common task associated with home management and personal supportive care for an individual’s activities of daily living. This may include light housekeeping, cooking, laundry and errands. Depending on the needs of a client, IHHS aides are also able to provide hands-on support for transferring in and out of a wheelchair, walking, eating, bathing, continence care and use of the bathroom.

5. Will there be a contract which describes service and fees and what are the financial procedures of the company?

A reputable company should have a legal contract which clearly describes services and fees. This contract does not hold the client to any ongoing time. It is primarily a communications tool. IHHS sends a welcome letter to each client which explains billing procedures and provides the name and telephone number of the person responsible for answering any question which may arise. NOTE: clients are never put in the position of paying an aide directly.

6. What can I expect when I decide to hire your company to provide care?

A registered nurse who is also a geriatric care manager arranges to visit. An assessment is performed which includes a medical history, present needs, home safety and family involvement. A plan of care is written and compatible aides are chosen and trained. We value client and family input during this process. The finalized care plan is placed in the office and with the client.

7. How often will the registered nurse/care manager visit?

The Residential Services Agency license requires a registered nurse to visit every 45 days. Ivory house Health Services registered nurse/care managers usually visit at least one time a month to reassess the client, update the plan of care and provide ongoing supervision for the aides. In addition, the company provides access to an on- call registered nurse/care manager 24/7 for any questions.

8. Do you have care management services and aide services that can work together if that is what is needed?

More often than not clients and their families are referred to Ivory House Health Services when there is a crisis. When there out-of-town or working family members, we provide education about how our care management and aide service can work together to create improved outcomes.

9. If I have a long term care policy will I be eligible for reimbursement if I use your company?

Yes. In Maryland the home care company providing assistance with activities of daily living must be licensed as a Residential Services Agency. The professional care manager can initiate services, develop the care plan and continue to certify the client for the insurance company to pay benefits.

10. How long has the company been in business and who runs the daily operations?

Ivory House Health Services has been serving clients and families for over 14 years in the greater Baltimore area. The company is owned and operated by advanced practice registered nurses who are also certified as care managers.

Hazel Kuchinsky
CEO
APRN-BC