When you need health care services in the home, your first priority is to choose caregivers you can trust to provide the highest quality of care and the level of compassion that you would provide for a loved one yourself. It's a decision that comes with many important considerations. BJC Home Care is here to help you gather all the information you need to make a confident choice. 

Why Choose BJC Home Care?

When you and your family determine that home care is the right choice, you'll be faced with a variety of options for care providers. Trusting in BJC Home Care comes with many advantages, including a sense of security in knowing you'll be receiving clinical expertise affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

The BJC Home Care team is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care to every patient while providing compassion, respect and education. Our registered or licensed practical nurses will coordinate with other members of the home care team while also providing education and training to our patients and their caregivers. This, along with the support of our licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, helps patients to reach the highest level of independence and health. In addition to these services, we have BJC pharmacists on-call 24 hours a day to assist in patient care through medication management, including infusions.

We are the largest local provider of services: infusion, home medical equipment, hospice and home health care. BJC Home Care has the only specialized program in the St. Louis area addressing the needs of advanced-stage cancer patients. Our affiliate program, BJC Hospice, has the only pediatric hospice program in the St. Louis area.

Because we're part of BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States, patients have access to the resources of a recognized leader in healthcare. BJC Home Care is also accredited by the Joint Commission and a National Excellence in HealthCare Award winner.

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Helping you choose: Quality home care services

When reviewing the options for health care services at your home, you should ask questions to help you choose the best home care services for you or your loved one. Staff at your doctor’s office, a social worker, or hospital discharge planner can provide names of some local home care services. These questions can guide your discussions with each service provider.

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Questions about home care

  • Does the home care offer all the services that you need?
  • Will a care plan covering the services needed, how often visits will take place, and how long services will be provided be created?
  • How often will a nurse or therapist come to your home?
  • Do family members, doctors or other health care professionals help decide what services you need?
  • What are the fees for each service? Ask for a fee schedule and an explanation of the fees.
  • Is the home care agency certified or a Medicare home health? This means that Medicare and Medicaid and most health insurance companies will pay for some of the services.
  • If you are paying for your services, how does the agency bill you? Does it accept credit cards?
  • Where can you get help finding financial assistance if you need it?
  • Is the home care service accredited? Accredited means that the service follows rules for patient safety and quality. Go to Quality Check® at www.qualitycheck.org to find Joint Commission accredited home care services.
  • What happens if there is a power failure or natural disaster?
  • Are services available seven days a week?
  • Is there a time limit for services?
  • Is there a 24-hour telephone number you can call if you have questions or complaints?
  • What are your rights and responsibilities? Can you get a paper copy? Can they be explained to you?
  • Is patient information kept confidential? Is there any reason patient information is released?
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Questions about home care workers

Home care workers can be nurses, social workers, therapists, aides, homemakers or companions. 

  • Are the home care workers licensed and bonded?
  • Are home care workers trained to handle special needs, such as dementia or behavior problems?
  • How often does a supervisor come to the home to observe care and review the care plan?
  • Are home care workers trained to handle medical emergencies?
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Questions about medical equipment in the home

  • Will you need medical equipment?
    • Equipment can be purchased or leased. Some examples of medical equipment are oxygen, wheel chairs, glucometers (for checking blood sugar), hospital beds, etc.
  • Will you and your family be taught how to use the medical equipment?
  • Will the medical equipment be checked?
  • Will the medical equipment be replaced or fixed if there is a problem?
  • Does the home care agency provide supplies such as paper products?