Why Choose CMS for Home Care?
Quality Customer Service
From your first interaction with our staff you will notice the difference. Every member of our staff is friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. Initially we will need information about the services you are seeking. You will have the opportunity to speak with a RN Case Manager to discuss the specifics of care. There is no charge for the RN Case Manager phone consultation.
Screening of Health Care Providers
We carefully screen each healthcare provider during the employment process and we only employ experienced, caring and compassionate staff. Every health care provider meets rigorous state, federal and company employment requirements, including background screening and drug testing. Employees must provide personal health records, past education and previous employment, including professional references. Annual TB screening is required for all employees.
Education and Training for Home Health Aides
Maryland State Residential Services regulations require that a home health aide must also be certified as a nursing assistant. We validate this certification annually with the Maryland Board of Nursing.
We are dedicated to providing quality education and training to our staff. We provide specific training to perform home health aide duties. Our Home Health Aide training takes place on site at our office training lab, under the supervision of an RN educator. We are unique in our training program in that we offer a “simulated home” which includes a bedroom, a bathroom and a full kitchen. We welcome you and your family to come and visit our office and training facility at any time. All of our home health aides must successfully complete a written comprehensive exam before they are eligible for employment.
Use Caution before allowing an Independent Contractor in your home.
We advise that you carefully consider the advantage of using a certified, bonded and insured agency that does not assign independent contractors as care providers in your home. Independent contractors are NOT employed by the agency – you pay them directly. Independent contractors do not have to maintain the same standards as Joint Commission certified home care agency employees. They do not have to purchase malpractice insurance or workman’s compensation insurance. This means you will have limited recourse in the event of an incident in your home or while traveling outside your home.
Independent contractors are not required to have periodic evaluation of the care they provide. We believe evaluation of services rendered in an essential component of quality. We take responsibility for screening and employing our employees. We pay their wages, taxes, malpractice and workman’s compensation insurance in the event that they get hurt on the job. We require criminal background and driving record checks and we can provide back up help should the main caregiver not be available. We are accountable for our staff, and maintain liability insurance for each employee. We want to provide piece of mind when you allow one of our employees into your home.
Since we are the employer, we are responsible for paying our employees. You do not have to write a check to the health care provider AND to the agency. We streamline the billing process - you receive one bill and write one check. We believe that contracting with a certified, bonded and insured agency minimizes the risk of theft and exploitation of the elderly.
Technology in Home Care
We are dedicated to providing quality care to you while giving peace of mind to your family. CMS has partnered with a cutting edge information technology company called Ankota. This organization provides the software we use to document patient care and it also facilitates electronic communication about you and how your day is going to your family. This feature, called “Family Connect,” provides an unlimited number of family members with current information about you via text messaging, e-mail or the internet. The information can be retrieved at the convenience and/or availability of your family, at any time.
Feedback
Patient feedback is a valuable component to the enhancement and improvement of patient care. We listen to you. We respond to your requests. Your RN Case Manager is available to assist with questions or concerns about your care. We will periodically ask you to complete a patient survey to provide valuable feedback to us.
Resources
We have selected Nations Healthcare to provide the medical equipment you may need, including equipment for wound care, home infusion, and supplemental oxygen. We partner with Nations Healthcare because they replicate our high standards of patient satisfaction and care, and are also certified by the Joint Commission. You can rent a hospital bed or any other equipment required. This service is available 24 hours day/7days/week to meet your individual needs.