Home health aides are crucial in providing much-needed care for the elderly and those with illnesses and disabilities. It’s challenging work that makes the world a better place, which is why it’s so vital for caregivers to have someone to take care of them too. And by this, we mean a supportive and caring home health aide agency.
If you’re looking for home health aide agencies hiring in Oklahoma but are feeling a little overwhelmed, this provides a comprehensive guide to finding an agency that’s the right fit for you.
Why is it Important to Find the Right Fit when Choosing a Home Health Aide Agency to Work for?
While some home health aides choose to work independently, many prefer to work for dedicated home care agencies. Working for an agency can provide job opportunities, security, and overall job satisfaction.
But choosing a home health aide agency to work for isn’t as simple as signing with the first company that comes along. It’s crucial to find the right fit for you.
Working with the right agency can either make or break your ability to provide optimal care for clients. It can also make all the difference in your overall happiness working as a home health aide.
Finding an agency that aligns with your values, provides adequate training and support, and offers competitive compensation can lead to a successful and fulfilling career in the home health industry.
So it’s essential to take the time to research and carefully consider your options before committing to a home health aide agency.
Advantages of Working in a Home Health Agency
Working in a home health aide agency comes with many advantages, from greater job flexibility to better professional growth opportunities.
Advantages include:
- Variety of Opportunities. Home health agencies provide a wide range of services to various clients. Working as a home health aide for an agency gives you a greater variety of opportunities to help you stay engaged and challenged in your career.
- Flexible Hours. Working for an agency that employs many caregivers allows you to work a more flexible or non-traditional schedule. You can work on a part-time or full-time basis. You can also work nights and/or weekends (or not), depending on personal commitments. This flexibility lets you maintain a better work-life balance.
- Autonomy. While an agency provides better job security and opportunities, you’ll still work independently in your client’s homes. You can make informed decisions about client care and enjoy the autonomy of being a home health aide
- Positive Working Environment. Having supportive colleagues and a caring management team can foster a positive working environment and greatly increase job satisfaction.
- Professional Growth and Development. Many agencies provide training and continuing education programs. These can help you stay up-to-date with the latest home healthcare practices and technologies to make your job easier.
Choosing from Home Health Aide Agencies Hiring in Oklahoma
Not all home health agencies are equal. When looking for the right company to start or continue your caregiving career, there are some factors to consider.
Key considerations when choosing home health aide agencies in Oklahoma:
- Look for Local Job Postings. Google search is always a good place to start when looking for home health aide agencies hiring in your area. Other places to find local job postings include online job boards, community Facebook pages, local newspapers, or bulletin boards at community centers.
- Research Company Reviews. Once you’ve identified some potential home health aide agencies that you might want to work for, it’s important to research each company’s reputation. Look for reviews from current or former caregivers to better understand company culture and employee satisfaction. Does it look like an agency you’d like to work for?
- Review Requirements and Hiring Process. Does the agency require any specific qualifications, certifications, and background checks? Oklahoma state law requires all home health aides working for an agency to be certified and background checked. Make sure you meet these requirements and understand the hiring process.
- Evaluate Training and Growth Offerings. Not all agencies offer professional development opportunities. Look for companies that offer ongoing training and continuing education to help you improve your skills and advance in your career.
- Check on the Ability to Choose Clients. Some home health aide agencies may allow you to choose the clients you work with, while others may assign clients to you. Decide which you would prefer and look for agencies that offer this.
- Determine if Pay is Acceptable. Home health aide salaries can vary greatly based on agency. Research average pay rates in Oklahoma for your skill and experience level so you can determine which companies are offering you an acceptable amount.
- Consider Time Off and Benefits. One of the biggest perks of working for an agency is employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Check any employment offers thoroughly and see what exactly is being offered.
- Verify Schedule Flexibility and Proximity to Home. Finally, look for companies that offer flexible schedules that work with your availability. You should also consider where most of the agency’s clients are based and how long it will take you to commute from home.
Assessing Your Fit with Agency Client Care Procedures
Once you’ve narrowed down several agencies that you’re interested in, there are a few more questions you should ask to determine how much the agency will help you to be the best caregiver you can be.
Before choosing an agency, consider:
- Will You Be Briefed on Your Clients? Every client is unique. So before starting with a new client, you should receive a briefing from the management team. This briefing should include any vital information about the client’s medical history, home situation, and personal preferences. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have, helping you provide better care for your client.
- Are Client Meet and Greets Standard or Optional? Meeting a client before starting as their caregiver is a good way to ensure you’re a good fit for each other. Some agencies make “client meet and greets” standard procedure. For others, it’s optional.
- Will You Receive Supervisor Check-Ins? Working as a home health aide can be a challenging role. Especially when you’re only just starting with a new client. In-home supervisor check-ins and mentoring can help you feel supported and ensure that you’re providing the best care possible for your clients.
- Is the Agency Available for Support? When you’re working as a caregiver, emergencies can happen at any time of day. It’s crucial to have access to support around the clock, whether for client medical emergencies or last-minute schedule changes.
Ongoing Considerations for Finding the Right Fit
Once you’ve chosen and started with a new home health agency, that doesn’t mean the search is complete. During the first few weeks in your new role, you’ll still be determining if the agency is the right fit for you.
Considerations when starting with a new agency:
- Positive Company Culture. Does the company culture align with your own values and priorities?
- Friendly Staff. What are the other caregivers and employees at the agency like? Do you feel welcome and like you could go to others for help and support?
- Supportive Management. Has the management team made themselves available to you and offered guidance? Have they provided the tools you need to provide the best care possible for clients?
- Celebration of Professional Growth. How does management let you know that you’re doing a good job? Do you receive regular feedback? Are you being offered training and growth opportunities?
- Prioritization of Work/Life Balance. Do you feel like your mental and physical well-being is prioritized? Is your employer supportive of schedule changes due to personal situations?
Apply to be a Home Health Aide with Providence
Providence Home Care is an Oklahoma-based home care provider looking for passionate and dedicated home health aides to join our team.
Whether you are beginning your career as a caregiver or have years of experience, you will find a supportive environment at Providence that fosters both personal and professional growth.
Our goal is to help you achieve the work/life balance you desire while also providing you the opportunity to serve others with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Join us and be a part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.
Start your career in home health care today. Or contact us to find out more.