Home Care Accreditation

January 21, 2011

Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts Sets Quality and Business Standards

Rockland, MA – Right at Home, a private-pay home care agency serving seniors and their families throughout the South Shore, is among the first in the state to earn Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.  The alliance, which represents 190 home health and elder care agencies across Massachusetts, has created an accreditation protocol to promote quality services, ethical business standards, and superior employment practices in an industry that lacks meaningful licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts even while it grows in popularity.  

“As an RN, I am committed to providing exceptional care for all of our clients and that starts with having defined systems, policies and procedures for our caregivers to follow. We are honored to have been recognized and awarded this accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts”, said Elizabeth Callahan, RN, BSN, and Director of Clinical Services of Right at Home. “Helping seniors remain safely in their home for as long as possible is our primary goal. This accreditation provides peace of mind to families that their loved ones are receiving the quality of care that will enable them to do so,” added Elizabeth.

The Home Care Alliance launched this Accreditation Program for Private Pay agencies (agencies that are not paid by Medicare or Medicaid), in July, 2010.  Agencies seeking accreditation are required to submit documentation to show that they meet standards established by the Alliance.

The standards were developed over several months in consultation with 14 agencies throughout the Commonwealth.  Training requirements, administrative protocols, and business practices are among the categories that the Alliance reviews for accreditation.

“We wanted to provide leadership for an area that is becoming more and more important to the health care delivery system in Massachusetts,” said Patricia Kelleher, executive director of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.  “These standards highlight our agencies’ best practices, and will help guide members of the public as they choose who will take care of their loved ones in their homes.”

About Right at Home:
Right at Home provides non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults throughout the South Shore. All caregivers must pass a vigorous background check, complete a training program and pass a competency test before being placed with a client. In addition, caregivers are fully insured and bonded providing clients and their families with peace of mind.

About the Home Care Alliance:
With a mission to unite people and organizations to advance community health through care and services in the home, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts is a non-profit trade association and advocacy group providing representation, education, communication, advocacy and – ultimately – a voice for the state’s home health industry. Founded in 1969, the Alliance has grown to represent more than 170 home care and home health agencies across the state. For more information, visit www.thinkhomecare.org.