Finding the right care for a senior involves navigating a complex network of medical, personal, and community resources. This guide explains how to use our search tools and referral services to build a customized care plan.

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First review the topics and types of information you are seeking below, then view the slide show for an example of finding Skilled Nursing Homes in the area sourround Waynesville, NC 28786 

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Review the Essentials Needed to Find the Right Provider

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1. Assess Specific Needs
   Identify the level of care required—whether it is non-medical assistance like meal preparation and light housekeeping (homemaker services) or clinical support like medication management and physical therapy (home health aides).

2. Search by Location and Category
   Use our online directory to filter results by ZIP code, city, or county. You can further narrow your search by specialty, such as memory care, respite care, or specialized medical equipment needs.

3. Review Provider "Bites" and Full Profiles
   Our search results follow a "bite-snack-meal" model:

   • The Bite: A quick summary of matching providers with basic contact info.

   • The Snack: Click to see expanded details like office hours, ratings, and whether they are accepting new patients.

   • The Meal: View the full profile for deep insights into credentials, detailed family caregiver survey ratings, and specific services provided.

4. Verify Qualifications and Reviews
   Confirm if the provider is Medicare-certified (for skilled medical services) or state-licensed (for non-medical care). Read verified client testimonials and star ratings (ranging from 1 to 5) to gauge quality and reliability.

5. Utilize Referral Services
   If the search feels overwhelming, connect with a referral agency or Area Agency on Aging (AAA). A family consultant can conduct a thorough intake assessment to match you with appropriate local facilities or caregivers based on your budget and clinical requirements.

6. Schedule Interviews and Tours
   Once you have a shortlist, use the contact information provided to schedule a tour or phone interview. Prepare behavioral questions to understand how they handle specific care situations or emergencies.

Information & Referrals

• Eldercare Locator: For immediate community-based assistance, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

• Professional Care Managers: If your situation is complex, consider hiring an Aging Life Care Expert who can coordinate between multiple doctors and family members.

• Payment & Financial Aid: Check federal resources like BenefitsCheckUp to see if you qualify for public benefits that help cover the cost of medications or home care.

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 A checklist of interview questions for families to use when meeting with a potential home care agency'

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A Checklist: Essential Questions for Home Care Agencies

Credentials & Safety

• Licensing & Insurance: Are you state-licensed, and can you provide proof of professional liability and workers' compensation insurance?

• Bonding: Are your caregivers bonded to protect against potential theft or loss?

• Screening: Do you conduct federal and state background checks, drug screenings, and driving record reviews?

• Identification: Are caregivers required to carry and show a company-issued photo ID at every visit? 

Caregiver Training & Oversight

• Experience: Do you have caregivers specifically trained in specialized conditions like Dementia, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s?

• Supervision: How often do supervisors conduct unannounced in-home visits to evaluate performance?

• Emergency Protocol: What are your specific procedures for handling medical emergencies, power outages, or falls?

• Consistency: Will the same caregiver be assigned to our home regularly, and what is your backup plan if they are unavailable? 

Service Logistics & Communication

• Care Plan: Do you create a personalized, written care plan, and how often is it updated?

• Daily Reporting: Do you provide a "log book" or digital portal for families to review daily care notes and medication reminders?

• 24/7 Availability: Is there a live person available for urgent concerns after standard business hours (5 p.m.)?

• Matching: How do you match caregivers with clients based on personality and routines? 

Billing & Contracts

• Costs: What is the hourly rate, and do you charge more for nights, weekends, or holidays?

• Minimums: Is there a minimum number of hours required per shift or per week?

• Insurance: Do you accept Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance, and do you bill the insurer directly?

• Termination: What is the process and notice period required if we decide to discontinue services?