How long has the provider been serving the community and where?

ELCARE is a registered nursing agency
12 years experience of providing a high quality of service
August 1997: founded by Mrs Elsa Lombard
April 2005: start managing Cecil Morgan Care Unit at Klaradyn retirement village
April 2007: Mr.Gerhard Lombard joins the company as a partner
March 2007: new branch opens in George in co-operation with the local hospice and medical specialists
November 2008: start managing Care Unit at Othello retirement village
 

Areas Covered:
Northern suburbs of Cape Town from Seapoint, City Bowl, Pinelands, Milnerton to Blouberg, from Goodwood to Kraaifontein and Moostenbergvlakte
Stellenbosch, Wellington, Paarl, Strand and Somerset-Wes
South Cape from Knysna to Mosselbaai, Oudtshoorn to Barrydale and Willowmore

Does the provider supply literature explaining its service ?
A detailed booklet providing info on the following:
Registration
Services available
Explanation of the 24 hour Emergency Careline
Management of Service
Placement of service providers
Adjustments to the Care Plan
What happens if hospitalisation is needed
Termination of Services
Screening of service providers/their responsibilities
Fees Structures

How does the provider select and train employees ?
Elcare i nterviews all caregivers to screen visually and test practical experience (only applicants with a diploma in Home Based Care and experience are considered).
Successful applicants attend an Elcare orientation day.
2 day practical assessment at Cecil Morgan Care Unit, Klaradyn.
If successful , caregivers are matched with a patient according to patient’s needs and caregiver’s experience.
If unsuccessful in practical assessment, caregiver is enrolled in a 3 month bridging course for further training.
Evaluation of caregivers take place twice a year.
Any common gaps identified through evaluation process will be bridged with a short training course.

Does the care provider have care managers, and what does the position entail ?
Elcare has care managers in placce as its first point of contact
Assess patient’s specific needs based on an assessment from Registered Nurse
Identifies all support systems and role players to prevent duplication and unnecessary costs
Draft care plan in conjunction with Registered Nurse and other role players
Arrange services according to Care Plan
Adjusts Care Plan as needed
Monitor progress and quality of service
Negotiate with medical funds where needed
Manage and co-ordinate the service

Are nurses required to evaluate home care needs and what does it entail ?
Full medical assessment in consultation with patient’s physician/s and family members
Includes physical assessment with reference to:
  Physical condition
  Psychological condition
  Medication
  Wound and skincare
  Nutritional needs
  Personal care
  Rehabilitation needs

Is the patient’s treatment documented detailing the duties of the caregiver ?
A care plan is provided to the patient/family members
Responsibilities of caregiver is set out in the plan
Registered Nurse oversees at placement that all duties can be carried out according to the Care Plan
Any changes to Care Plan are agreed with all parties before implementation
Daily record is kept
Family members are educated on care to be provided and duties of caregiver

Does the provider assign supervisors to oversee quality ?
Monitoring visits are carried out according a to Care Plan by a requested nurse.
Quality checks are carried out by Nursing Services Manager on an ad hoc basis
Any complaints are taken and addressed by Care Manager
All caregivers are evaluated quarterly on performance
Feedback is requested from patients during and after services terminate

What are the financial procedures of the provider ?
An administration fee is required initially
Detailed information booklet is provided at assessment stage clarifying fee structure
All aspects of fees are set out in the contract, Care Plan and quotation supplied after initial assessment
All rates are based on BHF scales

What emergency procedures are in place ?
24 hour emergency Careline
Situation is assessed by Registered Nurse
Emergency call outs are carried out when required
Experienced caregivers are on standby for any staff emergencies

Is confidentiality guaranteed ?
All employees sign a confidentiality agreement on appointment
All patient records are stored in a secure location

Can the provider supply references ?

Medical aids
Hospitals
Family members of patients
Private patients (current and previous)
Medical practitioners