Some considerations when looking for a home health care service: 1.  Contact your state health department to find if the home health care service is licensed by the state. 2.  Is the home health care service certified by Medicare, Medicaid and/or The Joint Commission?  In addition, does the home health care service provide verification of malpractice and liability insurance? 3.  What services does the home health care service provide?  Will all of your needs be met? Are services 24/7? 4.  How long has the home health care service been in business?  Can you get references?  5.  Total costs?  Who does the home health care service directly bill?  Any extra fees? 6.  Do employees receive training and is it ongoing?  Does the home health care service confirm employee references?

Home health professionals provide and coordinate your doctor's orders and keep your doctor infomed and updated on your care plan.  Home health care agencies can not make changes to your care plan without the consent of your doctor.

LINKS:
Minnesota State Health Department
Wisconsin State Health Department

The Joint Commission - an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 17,000 U.S. health care organizations and programs.

Administration on Aging

Some community organizations along with the state and local governments provide funds for home health care.
United Way
American Cancer Society
Alzheimer's Association

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

Medicare

HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCIES in Two Harbors, Cloquet, Duluth, MN and Superior, WI.