Therapy provided in the home can be a great choice for families and children with special needs. Many families prefer for their children to receive physical, occupational or speech therapy services in a comfortable and familiar environment – their home. Therapy provided in the home benefits caretakers as well.  Having such close contact and learning opportunities with a therapist can empower caregivers. Caregivers are often nearby when therapy is being provided, so they learn valuable tools too. Empowered caretakers lead to empowered children, raising both their independence and success rates of therapy.  It has been proven that learning in a natural environment is often more beneficial that learning in a simulated environment. In a complete home health picture, therapy is coordinated, and continuous. If a child is seeing one more therapists for different types of therapy including physical, occupational or speech therapy, the therapists all have knowledge of each disciplines’ treatment plan. This is not necessarily the case if a child is seeing multiple therapists in different offices outside the home. Serving in the natural environment gives a wonderful opportunity to support behavior changes needed to improve functional performance.

How to Choose a Home Care Provider

Here are some helpful suggestions taken from taken from the Texas Association of Home Care and Hospice website. It can be a useful tool to help you decide what Home Care provider is good for your family.

Finding the best home care provider for your needs requires a little research, but it is time well spent. Quality of care and competency of personnel should be your primary concerns. You have the right to choose any home care provider who is qualified to provide the services you need. Although that choice may be restricted somewhat if you are enrolled in a managed care plan (such as a Medicare Advantage Plan). Here are some questions to consider when deciding which home care provider is best for you:

1. How long has the provider been serving the community and what services do they offer?
2. Does your physician know the reputation of the provider?
3. Is the provider licensed? In Texas, any agency providing personal assistance or skilled services must be licensed by the Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services as a Home & Community Support Services Agency.
4. What other credentials does the provider maintain?
5. Does the provider have written statements describing its services, eligibility requirements, fees, patient rights, confidentiality, complaint procedures, hours of service, and emergency arrangements?
6. How does the provider select its employees?
7. Does the provider ensure that its workers are functioning under written personnel policies, clinical protocols, and professional liability insurance?
8. What back-up systems are in place to ensure continuity of care?
9. Is the agency willing to work with you if you must pay out of pocket?
10. Is the agency a member of a state and/or national home care organization? Association membership is an indication that the agency is continually informed and actively involved in the home care industry.
11. Texas Association of Home care and Hospice also have an agency search page to find help in your area. https://education.tahch.org/education/ConsumerSearch.aspx

THERAPY 2000 is a leading pediatric home care  agency serving Texas. We provide physical, occupational and speech therapy to children in the North Texas, Amarillo, East Texas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin areas of Texas. We are active and proud members of the Texas Association of Home Care and Hospice.  http://www.tahch.org/

Click here to refer a child https://www.t2000.com/refer-a-child/ or call us at 877.688.2520.