Consumer Checklist  

Are you confused by the smoke and mirrors?

In order to ensure that you receive honest, dependable care for your loved one you need to be informed and able to discern the differences in services agencies can legally provide. Consider asking these critical health care questions before you select an agency to serve in your home.

Q. Does the agency hold a current license from the NC Division of Health Service Regulation?
A. Licensure ensures the agency meets specific requirements regarding the administration, standards, staff qualifications and supervision of patient care and needs. Beware of agencies operating without State licensure. They are limited to providing services that require no hands-on assistance of any kind.

Q. Are the home care aides certified by the State of NC? How does the agency select, screen and ensure continuing education of the in-home staff?
A. Twelve hours of skills enhancing education is required. All individuals delivering in-home care are required to be listed on the State Health Care Personnel Registry that tracks allegations of abuse, neglect, fraud, diversion of drugs and misappropriation of funds or property. Individuals or agencies that operate under the independent contractor model will require you to pay unemployment and social security taxes and file the appropriate tax forms.

Q. Who supervises the in-home staff and oversees the needs and concerns of the client?
A. A licensed agency is required to have a registered nurse assess and manage to client plan of care and supervise the delivery of services by the in-home staff.

In addition to asking these questions, Hearthside Home Care urges you to keep these facts in mind.

Physicians, hospital discharge planners and friends in the community are good resources for information. Don’t be afraid to ask them for guidance choosing your Home Care provider.   Agencies that provide Medicare and Medicaid services must be certified by the federal or State government and follow their Conditions of Participation. Agencies should always be immediately responsive to changing needs as well as concerns you may have. Care should be customized to meet your needs.
The staff of Hearthside Home Care prides themselves on providing the most professional, quality care available for their clients and their families. Our commitment to integrity and the TRP (Totally Responsible Person) workplace means you can trust the entire staff to deliver professional, compassionate services. The staff of Hearthside Home Care will gladly answer any questions you and your family may have regarding Home Care services. For more information on Hearthside Home Care or any of their services, please call 866-808-1351.

……………because Home is where the heart is