1-800-WE VISITCaring for a loved one at home is becoming increasingly common. However, maintaining the comforts of home for a loved one who requires constant support and supervision can take its toll. Even the most devoted caregiver needs a helping hand and respite time. That is why many families turn to the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) Private Care Services for help when their needs exceed allowable Medicare and private insurance parameters.
VNA Private Care Services include but are not limited to: PRIVATE CARE - HOME HEALTH AIDES
Are you in need of a "time out" or assistance a few hours each week from the stress of being a primary caregiver to run errands outside the home? Are you in need of full-time assistance caring for an elderly or disabled loved one while you’re at work, parenting or attending to other day-to-day activities? The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) can provide a caring certified home health aide four or more hours per day, one to seven days each week or full-time, live-in-care. A visiting nurse and Private Care representative will work with you to prioritize your needs and create a plan consistent with your requirements and resources. Our home health aides work under the supervision of a visiting nurse who establishes an individualized plan, trains and supervises your aide on an ongoing basis. "I'd known of the VNA's good reputation for years. When I learned that they now offer live-in care, I knew that was where I needed to turn. Our aide is very calm and has a wonderful relationship with my mother. She keeps Mom well-groomed and helps with her daily exercises. She's also a great cook!" – The daughter and primary caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient who remains in her long-time residence with the assistance of a live-in aide VNA home health aides provide services, including but not limited to: |
What are some of the most important things people should consider when choosing a home health aide provider?
- Check to confirm the agency has a valid license in your State which can be checked on your state's consumer affairs website. Agencies must meet strict state or federal requirements.
- Research Accreditation, standard of quality. You can check how an agency is rated by professional organizations which often surprise offices with unannounced surveys.
- Check Individual Credentials if you hire privately. Home health aides must be licensed by the board of nursing and have that license renewed every two years. Without a valid license, the care giver’s background has not been checked and they have not been finger printed. Licensed agencies make sure aide’s present doctor signed physicals and vaccination records.
- Identify Your Needs and Preferences. Choose an aide who will be sensitive to the specific needs and preferences of your loved one and those who serve as primary caregivers.
- Choose an agency that requires home health aides receive ongoing training that continues to develop their knowledge and skills.
- Ask for a Health Certificate to ensure the person taking care of a loved one is healthy; this certificate requires tests for TB, Measles, and Mumps etc.
- Check for Liability Insurance. Employees of Agencies should be covered by workers comp. They could fall in your home, can injure the patient or themselves so therefor they should have insurance coverage.
- Aides should be under the supervision of a registered nurse. If they are not, then their license is invalid; they would be performing medical procedures and making care plans not approved by a registered nurse which could be very dangerous.