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Choosing An Agency
Selecting your health care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. Choosing a home care agency is equally important because you are choosing not only a care provider, but are also inviting that provider into your home or the home of your loved one.
Following is a list of questions which address important decisions regarding home care. Use these questions as your guideline for selecting an experienced and trustworthy home health care agency for you or your loved one.
How long has the agency been in business?
Oxford HealthCare is the leading home care provider in southwest Missouri and has been providing care since 1974.
What kind of experience does the agency have in home care?
During Oxford’s many years of caring, we have been the pioneer in developing new home care services to meet the needs of those wanting to stay in their own homes. We have helped countless clients remain independent at home and have touched thousands of lives. Today, our 1,400 employees have the privilege of serving more than 4,000 clients every week throughout southwest Missouri.
What services does the home care agency offer?
There are many home care services available so it is very important that the agency can coordinate and provide all the services you need. Oxford HealthCare is unique because we are the first agency in southwest Missouri to coordinate and provide a full range of home care services with just one phone call. We’ll even provide access to available community resources that can also assist someone in the comfort of home.
How are the employees that will be in my home screened?
Since the home care provider will be in the home caring for you or your loved one, this is one of the most important questions. Oxford thoroughly screens each employee and does extensive background checks. Our screening process includes an interview, references, validation of the professional license, a pre-employment competency test, criminal background check, elderly and child abuse/neglect check, drug testing, and check of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Employment Disqualification List (EDL).
Are the employees insured and bonded?
Oxford employees are insured and bonded. This includes many different types of insurance, including professional liability, general liability, worker’s compensation, and fidelity bond coverage.
Do physicians support the agency?
Oxford HealthCare receives more referrals from physicians for home health care than any home care organization in southwest Missouri.
Is the agency Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited?
Oxford is one of only a few home health agencies and hospices in southwest Missouri that are Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited. The Joint Commission is the same organization that accredits hospitals. Oxford has always scored very well on Joint Commission accreditations, which is a testimony to our mission of setting the standard of excellence in home care.
Does the agency provide quality care and what system does the agency have in place to assure that quality care is provided?
Quality care is of utmost importance to Oxford HealthCare. It is our mission to set the standard of excellence in our field. In order to do this, we regularly conduct client satisfaction surveys, internal audits and supervisory visits. We also have an entire department dedicated to insuring and constantly improving our quality.
Outside organizations, such as the Joint Commission and the state, also conduct surveys and audits. Oxford consistently receives high scores on these outside surveys and audits. We also benchmark against other organizations nationwide to assure that our services are of the highest quality.
Does the agency offer all funding sources available for care?
There are many options available for funding home care. Oxford is Medicare/Medicaid certified and provides care under all funding sources available for home care.