Home care is care that allows an individual with specific needs to stay in their home. It might be for individuals who are getting older, are chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or disabled. Home care services include things like personal care; bathing, washing hair, getting dressed. Home care can also provide companionship and other household duties; cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and more.
When choosing home care there are few things to think about. Some individuals may prefer to hire a private person, maybe even someone they know, or a public agency.
Here are some differences between agency providers and private providers:
Agency Provider |
Private Provider |
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Two organizations that may help you locate a private provider:
To find a public agency to help care for your loved one, click here to see our Resource Directory.
An individual who is a Veteran may qualify for some help with funding of some home care. Contact the Winnebago County Veteran's Service Office to learn more.
- Oshkosh Area: 920-232-3400
- Neenah Area: 920-729-4820
Things to think about when hiring an agency provider or private provider:
- Is care available up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
- What happens if a home care provider calls in sick or needs time off? Is there a backup plan?
- What is the cost per hour for care?
- Is there a minimum number of hours required?
- What kind of training has the home care provider had?
- What about worker's compensation and liability bonding?
- Is there a log maintained daily on what kind of activities occur while at the home?
- Does the home care provider assist with running errands? Do they use their own vehicle? Do they charge mileage?
- Are there criminal background checks done by the agency?
- Interview them in person.
- Ask for references.
