Seals of approval for home healthcare providers

Finding someone to care for an ill or aged relative at home can be challenging. Sorting through the options can be time-consuming, and the need to find help may arise during a crisis, when decisions must be made quickly. Hoping to help consumers make those choices — and to help themselves stand out in a competitive field — some home health agencies are seeking voluntary accreditation by independent organizations. "This market is crowded," said Margherita C. Labson, executive director of the home care program at the Joint Commission, one of the major health care accreditation organizations. "These companies had no credible way of distinguishing themselves as better than others in the marketplace."