Health Articles

The NHS has recently announced that their waiting lists for operations and other treatments are at an all time low.

This sounds like good news, until you take a serious look at the numbers. The NHS waiting list length for March 2007 is 774,000 - 2,000 people less than February 2007. Are you prepared to stand in a queue with thousands of other patients if you or one of your children needs medical treatment?

Millions of UK residents have already stepped away from the NHS for certain elements of their health care needs. Private health insurers offer a wide variety of plans and options that promise fast treatment and perks like private rooms and in-home care, plus benefits that include reductions on fitness club memberships and assistance with stopping smoking.

One of the major reasons that people opt for private health insurance is the desire to get treatment when and where it’s best for the patient rather than waiting until there is an opening through the NHS. Keep in mind that private health insurance should be seen as a complement to the NHS rather than a substitute for it. There are exclusions to some conditions that private health insurance will cover. In general, private health insurance will not cover:

Pre-existing conditions…

Pre-existing conditions are defined differently by different insurance providers. Some will not cover any illness or condition for which you have ever been treated, or which arises from a condition for which you have been treated, has been diagnosed or for which you have taken medication. Others will consider a medical condition ‘new’ if you have not been treated for it within a stated time frame, e.g., within the past five years.

Chronic, long term or incurable conditions…

In general, private health insurance excludes cover for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension and other illnesses that require ongoing, long term care. Most also exclude “catastrophic” illnesses like cancer, AIDS and heart disease. There are specialty private health policies that do include treatment for specific conditions though, so shop around to find one that suits your needs.

Elective and/or cosmetic surgeries like breast implants and facial reconstruction…

Among the surgeries that are commonly excluded are breast enlargement, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgeries, sex change operations and organ transplants.

Experimental treatments and drugs…

In most cases, private health insurance will not cover treatments or drugs that are still considered experimental. Many companies include most organ transplants under this umbrella.

Private health insurance offers many benefits that can supplement NHS services. They include:

-Access to medical services that may not be available on the NHS

-Private hospital facilities

-In home care for some conditions

-Rapid treatment for covered conditions

While private health insurance has the reputation of being expensive, the truth is that there are policies that are affordable for almost anyone. One of the best ways to reduce the costs of private health insurance is to shop for your policy and insurer as carefully as you would a new car. Sadly, the FSA states that most people do not investigate their options for insurance, including those for private medical insurance. If you investigate private health insurance online, you’ll find a wide variety of health insurance plans available beyond the typical expensive comprehensive plans.

Like any type of insurance, if you’re unsure it’s important to take professional advice. The last thing you want is to discover that you bought the wrong policy when you’ve just been diagnosed with an illness or condition and you are expecting immediate private treatment.

About the Author:

Find the most popular private health insurance companies together with money saving articles and customer reviews at UK Insurance Index.

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It’s obvious that in the area of the medical field we have made great progress over past years but what does the future show in furthering the path? Cancer patients have great hope. We’re not able to predict a cure however, it seems likely that the idea of narrowly targeting strikes against tumor cells is going to offer some huge results. By focusing on these cells we can wipe out their ability to spread and deteriorate our bodies allowing for a much more positive prognosis.

This idea of targeted therapy is also progressing in the psychiatric arena. Devising treatments for specific subtypes of depression rather than continuing with the idea that one form fits all.

Over more recent years we’ve been made aware of the area of stem cell research and the human genome. This has created an era in which doctors test genes to determine the benefits from a particular form of treatment. The significance of proteome will also be huge in our future. These active protein molecules are the force behind a tremendous amount of our bodies abilities or lack of. Intense study of them paves the way for all sorts of progress in medicine.

Don’t expect your computer to be taking a nap while the worlds progressing. Computer Aided Learning is becoming tremendous in the Medical Field Anatomical atlases are already available. These are magnificent in learning and understanding the human anatomy. There are even such variation in this technology as the surgical rehearsal. This is an interactive applications and it’s potential phenomenal. This truly defines the term “higher education”.

The crossover from diagnostic databases is also a highly useful additive to our health. Having our entire medical history readily available will ensure that each doctor we see will have a direct knowledge of our own individual body and be able to determine any form of treatment more appropriately. There is so much potential for our future health and these are just a few of the miraculous strides we are taking for our health.

About the Author:

Learn how software is improving diabetes management at http://www.chirondata.com

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Contact lenses continue to improve with each passing year. Many people are choosing contacts over glasses, and for good reason. Consider all the downfalls of eye glasses. First, they are just plain uncomfortable. Second, they slip and slide down your nose and move awkwardly on your face. Then, to top it all, they are expensive as all get out. Contacts are just the opposite, they stay in place for the most part, they are comfortable to wear, and they are affordable. No wonder so many people have switched from glasses to contacts.

Extended wear contacts are just one of the many different contact lens types on the market today. They have a great number of benefits that you can read about right here in this article. Because they are so convenient, extended wear contacts are the most popular type of contact lens. You clean them, put them in, and need not worry for the duration of the rest of your day. Most soft contact lenses require frequent cleaning. However, extended wear lenses do not need frequent cleaning.

Their comfort is perhaps one of the best qualities of extended wear contacts, many people even forget that they have them in. Even though these lenses are so comfortable and easy to put in, there are small minorities of people that do experience slight discomfort wearing them, but the majority finds them very easy on their eyes.

Many contact lens users worry about safety and rightfully so. As long as your extended wear contacts are taken care of and kept clean, they will not cause any harm to your eyes. It is important to keep all appointments with your optometrist, you may find that your prescription changes over time, or you have the need for alternative contact lenses. If used properly you will most likely find that your extended wear lenses cause very few problems.

Extended wear contact lenses are not highly priced in the first place and bargains are easy to come by. Consider all your choices, many manufacturers offer the same type of contact lenses but prices can differ widely. The Internet is a great place to find excellent prices for your contact lenses. If you are on a budget, but looking for great contact lenses, don’t forget to look on the Internet.

You and your optometrist are the only people who can decide which type of contact lenses are best suited for your needs. Discuss your options and make the decision accordingly. In most cases there won’t be any restrictions and extended wear contacts will be your best choice.

You always have a variety of choices when it comes to contact lenses. However, extended wear contact lenses give you the freedom to wear contacts for your entire day without the pain and discomfort that you may experience with some other types of contact lenses. Freedom, comfort, affordability, and reliability are all the wonderful benefits you can experience with extended wear lenses.

About the Author:

Eric Turner is a contact lens expert that writes extensively. Find all the Acuview contact lens brands by Johnson and Johnson.

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If you are looking for a great value in disposable contact lenses, Prosite Toric is what you have been looking for. Manufactured by Ocular Sciences, these lenses are also known as Biomedic lenses. Ocular Sciences is very popular because of the visual clarity and exceptional wear it offers users. Consistency is both the key and the rule from this manufacturer, which also offers the assurance of an exact prescription every time.

Prosite Toric contact lenses offer stress-free insertion, as well as ease of use. Tinting is available with these lenses in 4 different tint types. These four types include light filtering, opaque color, enhancement, and visibility tints. With the exception of the visibility tint, they have an effect on both your vision and eye color.

For example, if you are looking for a darker tint and a brightened eye color, then enhancement tint contact lenses are the best for you. Many people feel they don’t have attractive or bright enough eyes, and choose to use enhancement tint contact lenses.

For those looking to dramatize their eyes, opaque color tints are perfect. They offer changes in the color of one’s eyes at a dramatic level. Many people are looking for various shades of yellow, green, blue and purple that you do not typically find in the natural eye color.

Vision performance can be changed dramatically with light filtering contact lenses. For example, these innovative contacts are designed to make certain colors seem clearer and sharper, such as a yellow ball for a tennis player or bright cars for a race car driver. Prosite Toric lenses are perfect for those with astigmatism as well. Prosite Toric lenses are the best soft contact lenses available on the market today. These are perfect for long term use with a variety of different types, tints, and corrections available.

So, whether you want to see the colors more clearly, make dramatic changes in your eye color, brighten your original eye color or correct a vision problem, such as astigmatism, Prosite Toric contact lenses may just be the contact lenses you have been looking for.

About the Author:

Eric Turner is a contact lens expert and writes extensively about contact lense. Find detailed information about all the cool contact lenses on the market.

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Contact lenses are now well known for coming in a variety of unique and wild designs. If you want to look unique and wild, contact lenses are the way to go. There are contact lenses in almost any type of look you might want; they are particularly popular for unique and weird designs. Hollywood makes use of special contact lenses in their movies, especially horror movies, with killers and beasts that need to look sadistic and strange.

However, it is important to remember that these types of contact lenses are not used for vision correction. They are only used for “decorative” purposes. They provide a great deal of fun and excitement for the wearer, but have no ability to correct vision. No prescription is necessary as these contact lenses, again, have no correction, so you will not need a prescription from your optometrist. To purchase these types of lenses, just go to your local contact lens retailer, find the type you are looking for, and purchase them.

In some cases, you may experience discomfort or irritation during or after wearing them. If you do, you should make an appointment with your optometrist to prevent further harm or permanent eye damage.

The designs are nearly limitless. Many crazy and odd contact lenses have been created for you to choose from. For example, make your eyes various colors just for the fun of it. Create a mesmerizing spiral look for your eyes. How about displaying pride for your flag or become a part zebra, all with special contact lenses.

There are two basic types of special contact lenses, standard and monthly. Monthly lenses can, of course, be used for up to one month and must then be discarded. Standard does not need to be replaced for a maximum of eighteen months and provide the most comfort.

Wild and crazy contact lenses should be cared for the same as any other contact lens, even though they are not prescription lenses. Cleaning them before use should be standard procedure and when you remove them, they should be soaked in an appropriate solution. Make sure, before handling your special lenses, that your hands are clean. Your eye health is at stake and these lenses require the same attention as prescription lenses, otherwise you may be increasing your risks of a serious infection.

Though most crazy contact lenses are available without prescription, if you require correction, it may be possible that your optometrist might offer corrective crazy lenses in your prescription. Many people want to change their eyes for Halloween, and these Halloween lenses are the most popular among all crazy lenses with correction. Of course, you do not have to reserve the fun only for Halloween. Put them on any time you want to fool with your friends.

Playing pranks on your friends and family is fun and many people are looking for something unique and non-traditional. They do not want to be like everyone else. Unique and crazy contact lenses can provide what they are looking for. There are a great number of unique and creative designs to choose from, and it will guarantee that your eyes get that special look. Even if you want these contact lenses just for fun, and not for vision correction, they need to be treated in the same way. You insert them into your eyes and remove them from your eyes with the exact same method use for prescription lenses. They also need cleaning regularly when not being used.

So, if you are looking to dramatically enhance your eyes, unique and crazy contact lenses are available at affordable prices. Just be sure that you take care of them and your eyes. If you do not, these lenses can lead to very serious problems. Use caution and take care of them as you would for your own eyes. If you have never worn contact lenses before, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with an optometrist and having a contact lens fitting. Not all contacts work with all eyes. The optometrist can point you in the right direction.

About the Author:

Tanya Bradley writes extensively about contactlenses. Find information about Durasoft and Freshlook Contact Lenses manufactured by Wesley-Jessen.

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A new era has opened with the Internet Pharmacy. More and more people are using the internet for health care. Some like the convenience and privacy of buying online. But some are reluctant to purchase over the web. Some find it still new and faceless medium. No counter to purchase from over and any familiar person or face to identify with.

As online pharmacies are booming and multiplying, counterfeit drugs are becoming an increasingly big problem. According to a report by World Health Organization, more than 10% of the global medicines market is currently counterfeit.

To ensure that the prescribed drugs are purchased from authentic and genuine online pharmacy, a voluntary organization was set up- the VIIPPS program. It is a voluntary certification program. The program helps the people to identify those online pharmacy practice sites that are appropriately licensed, are legitimately operating via the net and that have successfully completed a rigorous criteria review and inspection. This process will help ensure the pharmacies are selling only to those who need the drugs and are selling patients the real thing.

This has not been enough to curb the rising number of illegal online pharmacies but is a step forward to help the customers to identify the legal online pharmacy. Another step taken by the congress to curb the menace is a new bill, according to which a valid prescription will be required before the online pharmacies dispense prescription drugs to the patients. It would also subject noncompliant online pharmacies to criminal penalties and property seizures.

A lot still needs to be done in the area of certifying online pharmacies so that the customer can recognize which pharmacy is legitimate and which is not. Many online pharmacies which are operating illegally and are rapidly multiplying also serve as pipelines for narcotics, selling to drug abusers and other buyers who never visit a doctor or undergo any tests.

Prices are yet another factor which lures many customers especially those not covered under insurance plans or for medicines which are not covered under the insurance policies or for the elderly who want to save on money. This has helped mushrooming of much cheap pharmacy, discount pharmacy which is in different countries which may not meet the same pharmaceutical standards as the US.

Many prescription pharmacies give online prescriptions. Most regulatory authorities and professional organizations regard online prescribing to be unprofessional, in some states it is illegal, and unless it is done pursuant to a valid, ongoing patient prescribes relationship that has included an in-person physical examination.

Consumers must be wary about these online pharmacies that are not affiliated with lice censed pharmacies. One must ensure before ordering a prescription drug that it is a licensed pharmacy, requires original prescription, secure online financial transactions, publish a privacy policy, and publish correct addresses and phone numbers on their sites.

About the Author:

Stephen Robert is the editor for the website http://prescriptionsfirst.com, a highly recommended online pharmacy site, is committed to provide visitors with complete information on online pharmacy, buy online medical prescriptions, weight loss diet pills, men’s health, sexual health, and drugs like Cialis,

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Globalization is the watchword of the current generation, giving rise to new phenomena day by day. One such phenomenon is “medical tourism” which has given patients the option to shop for affordable healthcare worldwide. Patients who cannot afford expensive treatment, or who do not have health insurance; or are wait-listed for procedures in their own countries under government plans are compelled to travel to other developing countries for other treatment options. These options are now greatly sought after because of the immense benefits they offer. Not only is the cost of treatment greatly reduced, the medical tourists recuperate in style at a health spa or resort as part of the treatment-cum-vacation package.

Developing countries have greatly realized the benefits of the medical tourism industries and are directing their energies to attract medical tourists from all over the world. Five star hospitals with expatriate doctors (either board certified in the United States or specialists with advanced degrees from the United Kingdom) are a must-have for these hospitals in order to rope in the trust of the medical tourists who come here to get western quality healthcare at third world prices. In order to meet the growing demand for hospital accreditation overseas, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) launched the Joint Commission International (JCI) to accredit hospitals worldwide. International accreditation standards for JCI were developed by an international task force and form the foundation for a regional or country model, selected with local input, to benchmark the quality of patient care and safety in a particular region or country.

As per the international accreditation standards, special attention is paid to core aspects of patient care, together with such essential requirements as admission policy that has in place for access to and continuity of care, discharge procedure, referral, follow-up and transfer of patients. These policies are in the interests of the medical tourists who provide a medical history consisting of on-line health questionnaires, faxed medical records and perhaps telephone communications with the doctor’s office prior to actually arriving at the hospital for treatment. Accreditation requires the hospital to identify and evaluate the medical needs of the patient before being admitted and this in itself is highly reassuring. Once the treatment is over, the issues of follow-up care arises, as the patient needs to be back home within a week or two. An accredited hospital should therefore have a policy to provide to all the patients with a complete discharge history and recommended follow-up care to take back home to their physicians.

Accredited hospitals also take special care of drinking water facilities and other issues of cleanliness and safety. An accredited hospital has instituted policies requiring the use of gloves, masks, soap and disinfectants, has developed infection reduction strategies, and supports programs designed to improve patient care and safety. Often medical tourists opt for accredited hospitals for the type of facilities they provide. Besides, it will also be able to monitor the patient according to established procedures while in surgery or when anesthesia is administered prior to and during the procedure. Medications administered to patients during and after their stay in the hospital may also be safer in accredited hospitals as accreditation standards require that medications be prepared, stored and dispensed according to set norms.

Last but not the least is the policies that accredited hospitals have in store for the companions or families of medical tourists. Accredited hospitals acknowledge the views of the family members or companions of the medical tourists while making decisions pertaining to treatment of the patients. Besides, accredited hospitals in medical tourism destinations also manage updated records and online data to meet any emergency needs. With medical tourism centers managing accredited hospitals in large numbers, more and more medical tourists are heading towards the developing nations to seek health at cost-effective rates!

About the Author:

Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries.http://www.recoverdiscover.com/

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Lasik is the non-invasive surgical vision correction procedure that has taken the country, and the world, by storm. Why, people ask, should they have to deal with eyeglasses and contact lenses when Lasik procedures can correct such common vision problems as near and far sightedness and astigmatism, as well as other acuity and depth perception vision problems?

Finding a doctor or facility that performs Lasik procedures isn’t difficult if you live in a city or on the east or west coast of the United States. Some of the more popular cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco, as well as facilities in Orange County, provide more than enough competition on the west coast to offer patients the best in pricing and experience. When seeking the right Lasik procedure or facility to take care of your vision problems, however, there are several things to keep in mind.

There are more than one type of Lasik surgeries performed in places like Orange County, such as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. Such procedures can be found in offices scattered throughout Orange County, California, such as Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest, just to name a few. Keep in mind that there are different procedures, as well as experts, with each of those procedures. Whenever possible, try to get two or three different opinions from Lasik proficient surgeons before you settle on one or the other to make sure they have the experience that you need, at a cost that you can afford.

While any type of Lasik eye surgery isn’t cheap, prices can be competitive, especially in large cities, so you may find deals that seem alarming, if not downright suspicious, in these areas. Usually, Lasik procedures cost roughly $1500 per eye, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the type of procedure you’re having, as well as the severity of your vision problems, but if prices dip below $750 an eye, you may want to start asking yourself why. While it’s hard to turn down a bargain, remember that you’re talking eyesight here, which cannot be replaced.

The same goes for the reputation of your eye surgeon. Just because he’s the biggest or most well known name in your community doesn’t mean he has adequate experience in the type of Lasik procedure you need, so you have to balance cost with reputation and find a common middle ground. Always check out the credentials of any surgeon you intend to visit, and make sure that they are trained and proficient in the newest Lasik laser equipment and procedures possible.

A consultation will be your first step toward Lasik eye surgery, and again, it’s a good idea to get more than one opinion on your vision problem, and suggestions by the eye doctor over which Lasik procedure is right for you. Finding a listing of qualified refractive surgeons anywhere in Orange County is as easy as looking in the phone book or on the internet, though take care to always check with the BBB or the California State Medical Association for complaints or lawsuits filed against any doctor on your list of possibilities.

About the Author:

For the latest information on Lasik Orange County facilities, check out http://LasikRevealed.com .

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Cosmetic dentistry is defined as any dental work performed on the teeth to improve their appearance. It’s not at all surprising that cosmetic dentistry is big business because very few are really ever satisfied with their original set of pearly whites. Ever see any of those image makeover programs on TV? Isn’t it true that one of the first things always tackled on the image makeover process is the improvement on one’s set of teeth?

Now, some may need just a touch of whitening due to eating, drinking and smoking habits, while others require more drastic cosmetic dentistry measures such as almost always the case when you have chipped, misaligned or missing teeth. So which one applies to you? Maybe a look at today’s leading cosmetic dentistry procedures will help you decide.

Cosmetic Dentistry Type No. 1 - What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is perhaps the easiest and cheapest type of cosmetic dentistry you can tap to simply make a good first impression. People opt for this cosmetic dentistry solution if they are only after improving the color of their teeth and nothing more. The tooth whitening process is very easy. For instance, with at-home tooth whitening solutions, you get a ‘whitening kit’. This will include instructions and materials for you to make your own teeth impressions, which you then send off to an approved dental lab. The impressions are used to create a customized tray for you, which you then use to put the whitening gel on (also provided in the whitening kit). From here, it’s simply a matter of using the whitening tray and gel as often as you like till you get the level of whiteness you desire.

Average Cost: $150 and above per tooth whitening system (includes gels, trays, etc).

Main Pros: inexpensive; easy to perform, convenient to apply.

Main Cons: requires maintenance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Type No. 2 - What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded or molded to the front side of your teeth using a curing light. Although considered a tooth whitening solution (and that indeed they are), this cosmetic dentistry option offers so much more than just whitening your teeth. Porcelain dental veneers can be used to remove gaps between your teeth, fill out any chips on your teeth, and others. In short, they change the outline of your teeth, enabling you to flash a ‘perfect set’ of pearly whites.

This cosmetic dentistry procedure entails an initial visit to your cosmetic dentist where you both discuss what you want changed in your teeth’s appearance. If all’s well, a second visit is scheduled and on this session your teeth will be reduced (by about .5mm) and a mold for the porcelain veneers created. The actual manufacture of the porcelain veneers will take about a week. Once ready, you need to go to the dentist again for a fitting (hopefully, it is the first and final fitting as well).

Average Cost: $500 to $2000 per tooth

Main Pros: looks very natural; stain-resistant.

Main Cons: irreversible procedure; can be quire expensive.

Cosmetic Dentistry Type No. 3 - What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a form of cosmetic dentistry where a dental composite filling is applied on your teeth. It basically uses the same procedure as applying porcelain veneers but the material used is different. So what IS dental composite? To put it simply, it’s mainly plastic plus fillers and modifiers that serve to enhance the general characteristics of this plastic. As such, there is no one, single recipe for dental composite because its composition depends on what is required. For example, if you want dental bonding done on your front teeth, the need for a better, more natural color is needed (compared to, say, dental bonding for your molars). As such, the fillers and modifiers added to the plastic will be those that improve the composite’s color.

The dental bonding procedure calls for an initial consultation with your dentist, followed by a ‘reduction session’ (don’t forget, your teeth need to be reduced a bit because the dental composite needs to be added to your teeth). On the same visit, the dental bonding treatment can take place.

Average Cost: $200 to $600 per tooth

Main Pro: inexpensive; can be accomplished in one dental visit.

Main Con: only good for minor teeth imperfections.

Cosmetic Dentistry Type No. 4 - What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are for those beyond just wanting to make a good first impression. This restorative cosmetic dentistry procedure is chosen by people who want to replace a whole tooth (or several missing teeth). A dental implant procedure often calls for the insertion of a titanium screw into your jaw bone.(Titanium is used because it is believed that the mononucleate cells that are responsible for bone formation actually ‘connect’ to this element.) Once the dental implant is in place, a few months as ‘recovery time’ (or integration time) are needed. After this, a temporary crown is fitted so that your gums get to grow around the crown and form a natural shape. After this, the permanent crown is placed.

Average Cost: approx. $2500 per implant

Main Pro: nearest possible replacement to natural teeth

Main Con: extremely expensive; success rates largely dependent on oral surgeon skill.

Cosmetic dentistry is many things for different people. As always, your personal needs and budget will help you decide which option to choose.

About the Author:

Belinda Sinclair empowers men and women to increase their Wow Factor through personal development and image makeovers. Visit http://www.novawhite.com/?source=is10 for amazingly affordable professional tooth whitening systems.

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When searching for an elder care service agency to take care of your loved one, there are several questions you should ask to make certain you are hiring a high quality elder care agency.

1. How does your agency screen its elder care employees? A quality elder care service agency will carefully screens all of its employees with in-depth background checks so that you can be comfortable that your loved ones are in good hands. Employees should under undergo extensive reference checks, social security validation, national and local background checks and motor vehicle records checks.

2. Are your elder care providers employees of your company? At quality elder care agency the answer to this question will be yes. With the elder care providers being employees of the agency, it is the agency that is responsible for their social security, federal and state taxes, and their unemployment taxes so your family is not legally responsible. If the elder care providers are not employees of the agency, you could be responsible for paying worker compensation if the provider is hurt on the job while caring for your loved one.

3: Are your care providers trained before they are assigned to homes and do they receive ongoing training? The answer to this question should be that each care provider completes an intensive training program and is fully qualified to provide elder care that is professional, personal and friendly.

4. Are your care providers bonded? The answer to this question should be yes. You only want to choose elder care agencies that are bonded. Never work with an agency that is not bonded.

5. Is professional liability insurance paid so my family is protected? At a quality elder agency, the agency will be licensed and insured to protect you and your loved one.

6. Are your care providers licensed with your state’s Board of Nursing? At quality agencies, all care providers will be state licenses with the board of nursing and should have a license number that can be verified for authenticity.

7. Can we reach your staff 24 hours in a day? At a quality elder care agency, the office staff will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through an emergency telephone line.

8. Does your agency provide replacement care if the scheduled care provider cannot make it to work? Quality agencies will send replacement without any additional charge for the period of time that the scheduled care provider cannot make it to work.

9: Does your company provide a written care plan? When dealing with a quality elder care agency, the agency should provide a detailed written care plan for each client. In creating the care plan, the agency should consider all levels of care and types of services that might be needed.

You should always ask the above questions when you are interviewing elder care service providers to take care of your loved ones.

About the Author:

Yewande D. Awoyemi is the administrator for Dubols Home Care. Dubols is a medical and non-Medical staffing agency that provides caregivers for in home elder care services. http://www.dubols.com

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