Once you acquire the names of several providers in your area, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations.  Following is a checklist of questions to ask providers:

P Is the agency licensed in the state?

             Make sure that the agency you choose is licensed and regulated by a              state agency that performs regular surveys and maintains high set              standards.  Advantage Skilled Care is licensed and regulated by the              Ohio Department of Health.

P How long has the provider been serving the community?

             The agency you choose should have a proven track record in providing              exceptional services to the community.  Advantage has been serving the              community since 1995 in several different capacities and has developed

             a reputation for excellence.

P How does the provider select and train its employees?

             It is important that the people you are letting into your home are              experienced, well-trained and trustworthy.  Advantage Skilled Care              hires the best employees in the field and offers them continuous              development activites.  Every employee must pass extensive checks and              meet caring and reliability standards.  Criminal background and

             reference checks are just two of the requirements that must be met. 

             Our employees are insured and bonded for the protection of all our              patients.  Advantage   also continuously monitors our employees and the              services you receive to ensure that our patients are receiving the best              possible care.

P Are all employees licensed?

             All employees providing professional services should maintain current              licenses with the state.  Advantage hires only professionals that are              licensed by the State of Ohio.  In order to maintain current licenses

             with the State of Ohio, these professionals must also meet set                 standards determined by the state.

P Does the agency provide patients and families with written instructions?

             The patient and family should know up front what their rights and              responsibilities as a home care patient are, what, if any, fees there              are for the services to be provided, what the agency does to maintain              patient privacy, who to contact in case of an emergency, and who to              contact if there is a complaint.  Advantage provides all new patients              with a Client Handbook that includes all of the above information and              more.  This handbook is reviewed with the patient prior to admission

             so that the patient and family can make an informed decision regarding              admission.

P Are the patient’s needs discussed?

             It is most important that the patient be involved in the home care              planning process.  Communication is of the utmost importance with              home care.  Advantage Skilled Care will work with the patient and

             family to discuss what the patient’s needs are, set goals and create              interventions that will help the patient achieve those goals.  Advantage

             will also communicate needs to the patient’s physician and keep him

             current with your progress.

P What services are available from the agency?

             You want to make sure the agency you choose provides all of the  

             services that you or your loved one require.  The agency should also

             be willing and   able to help you arrange for the delivery of medical              equipment, prescriptions, oxygen, etc.  Advantage offers Nursing,

             Home Health Aides, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech              Therapy, Medical Social Services.  Advantage can also work with the              medical equipment supplier and pharmacy of your choice to coordinate

             the many services that are, or may become, necessary.  Advantage               Skilled Care also works closely with it’s sister agency,

             Advantage Home Health Care, Inc. and the local PASSPORT agency to              better coordinate the ongoing personal care that the patient may

             also be receiving, or need to receive. This allows patients and families

             to concentrate on recovery, rather than spending time making several                 phone calls.

P When are personnel available from the agency?

             You will also want to make sure that the services provided are available              when you need them.  Advantage admits patients within 48 hours of              receiving the referral, and often within 24 hours.  This helps assure              the patient that they will receive services when they need it most,              especially in cases where the patient is being discharged from the              hospital or a skilled nursing facility.  Our nurses are also available 24              hours a day, seven days a week.

P Check out Medicare’s Home Health Compare site.

Contact Us:

Phone: 740-354-5671 or 1-800-636-2330

Fax: 740-354-4432

E-mail: Advantage Skilled Care, L.L.C. 

Choosing a Home Care Provider