Taking care of patients and helping them stay healthy and happy is a noble calling. However, chances of infection are high and transmission from home health care workers is possible if adequate measures are not taken. For best practices and efficient results, some common standards should be followed by all agencies and some etiquettes are expected of home health care workers.

Recommendations below may not be part of the state law but from a professional viewpoint, they will help agencies to provide the best possible care and service that will guarantee the safety of their clients and workers all the time.

– A mutual understanding between the agency and client is a vital aspect that most agencies don’t pay attention to. It goes beyond client subscribing to the service alone. Adequate information that will enhance client understanding should be provided to foster agency and client relationship. While the agency knows the ins and outs of the service that will be provided, the client might not and this may result in misunderstanding or constant argument during service delivery.

– A holistic approach is better than a one size fits all solution. Agencies should not be myopic in providing solutions to client needs. Rather, extra effort should be made to provide solutions that are best for the client. External resources should be brought in should the need arise.

– Agency and agency workers are two separate entities. While the agency workers work with clients daily, the agency/management should not simply sit back. Agency management should be checking the services rendered by subordinates regularly and ensure constant communication with clients to detect any defect in the service that is been rendered.

– Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Back-up plans should be put in place for both client and caregivers in case of an emergency. Also, prompt communication to the client is vital if a change in the care plan becomes necessary.

– Treat your employees very well and in return, they will treat your clients well also. To avoid confusion, caregiver vacations and off-days should be factored into the work schedule and should be clearly stated in the form that the client will fill before subscribing. Also, provision should be made for back-filling the position during that time, depending on the client’s condition.

– One of the duties of the agency is to ensure that caregivers are properly trained and sensitized on the limit to which they can perform with clients and their family.

– Agencies should train employees (caregivers) to foster cooperation and be good partners-in-care with other sources that render similar service to the client.

– Agencies should ensure on-the-job training to ensure staff are up to date in knowledge so as to properly render services to clients all time. An individual with qualifications below state requirements should not be considered for employment even though they have skills, as this may end up tarnishing the image of the agency.

– Proper record keeping is a vital aspect of care giving, especially for evaluation purposes. Hence, the agency should train each staff on how to ensure proper documentation of the care giving services rendered to the clients.

– Agencies should train staff to follow the right procedures when rendering their service in order to guard against further complications such as infection.