Denver, Colorado's home health care agencies provide short-term medical care to people recovering from illness or injury. They also treat senior citizens, the disabled and others who need long-term assistance. A patient is always free to choose his own home health care aide, although his physician or insurance company may have a list of preferred providers.
Types
Home health care services are tailored to a patient's needs. Registered nurses care for people with chronic medical conditions. Nursing assistants bathe, dress and groom patients who are unable to do it themselves. Home companions complete household chores, drive, cook or shop for the elderly or incapacitated. Nurses and home care aides usually work with a physician to ensure quality care and monitor the patient's progress. A doctor will write a treatment order for services requiring medical care. The Visiting Nurse Association of Colorado has offices in Denver, and provides home companions, hospice care, physical therapists and certified nurse assistants.
Considerations
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends asking a few questions of a Denver home health care agency when hiring a provider. The agency should be meet federal and state standards for medical care. An after-hours contact number is a necessity in case of an emergency. Caregivers should pass a reference and criminal background check, and be licensed in Colorado to provide their particular service. The nurse or other agency employee should be familiar with the treatment the patient needs and have recommendations from other clients.
Procedure
When a home care nurse, CNA (certified nursing assistant) or other service provider first visits a patient's home, she should give him (or the relative in charge) written information about the agency, consumer's rights and the Colorado Home Health Hotline phone number. The provider will outline a treatment plan. Be specific about the patient's medical needs and what you expect of the provider. The agency must keep all medical records resulting from home care confidential.
Complaints
Contact the home health care agency about any problems with the staff. If communicating with the staff and administration doesn't resolve the issue, file a formal complaint with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division by phone, mail or fax. Provide the date of the incident, names of the people involved and a detailed description of the event. Include the names of any witnesses. The state will conduct on investigation and contact the parties with its results.
Licensing
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Standards for Hospitals and Health Facilities, Chapter XXVI, a home health care agency in Denver, Colorado, must have a Class A license to provide health care services and a Class B license for personal care services.
