When looking for home health care services for your loved one with cancer, it is important to talk to the attending doctor or physician to learn more about the options of having home health care services and where to find these services.  The doctor will also help with developing a plan and give recommendations to the type and scope of home health care the cancer patient will receive.

A good home health staff assigns a variety of professionals that includes licensed registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, home health aides, physical therapist, occupational therapists and medical social workers, depending on the cancer patient’s needs. A good home health care provider will also help you develop a care plan for your loved one. A good homehealth care should also be Medicare/Medicaid certified. This means that they are able to meet federal standards when it comes to patient care. They screen, hire, supervise and assume liability for the care they will provide.

It is important for you and your loved one to feel comfortable to bring the home health care staff inside your home. Make sure to these questions to your potential provider:

• How long have they been providing home health care services?
• Are you accredited or certified by Medicare?
• Can they specialize in a specific aspect of home health care such as nutrition planning?
• Do they have references?
• Do they have experience with caring for people with cancer?
• What is their protocol when it comes to emergencies?
• Can they provide a written treatment plan that states the specific tasks they will perform?
• Do you actively notify the family for any home health care plan change?
• What is the billing procedure?
• How will they oversee the quality of care a cancer patient receives?
• Can they be easily contact for questions or complaints?

You can pay for home care services through Medicare and Medicaid. These are government-run insurance programs that can cover part-time home care given by skilled medical practitioners. Remember that the doctor must approve and review any home health care plan.