Questions to Ask Care Providers to Ensure Inclusive Care for All Families and Needs

Inclusive care is a buzzword that can be thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? Inclusive care and the providers that offer it are aware of the many facets of life and care needed for a family. This can include traditional care options like childcare, or it can be more specific like special needs and in-home care for aging adults. 

Whatever the need for care, Helpr supports all families in their care needs by offering technology that connects families with care providers and utilizing care subsidies provided by employers. We know that care can look different for everyone, and no person or family has the same exact needs. 

Inclusive care can look different depending on the type of care. Whether it’s adult or child care, ensuring families have access to the care they need is crucial in creating a more equitable world.  In no way is this an exhaustive or limiting list, if your care needs aren’t listed here, let us know! 

Inclusive Prenatal Care 

A lot of conversation is around affordable childcare options, but supporting the child begins with supporting the birthing mother or person. Prenatal care can go beyond just an OB/GYN or midwife. Setting up a birth team for a family’s unique situation can help support the family as they enter into new parenthood. Here are some questions to ask to ensure your provider offers inclusive care options for prenatal care: 

• What is your birth philosophy? 
• What are your core values, priorities, and goals?
• How do you work with other providers on my birth prep team? (This can include pelvic floor physical therapists, chiropractors, doula’s, etc). 
• Who else is in the practice and could end up providing my prenatal care or attending the birth? 
• What are the costs? Are there sliding scale fees for people of different incomes?

These questions are meant to identify inclusive birth providers and are suggested to use in addition to questions pertaining to birth experience like c-section rates, time of induction, etc. 

Inclusive Childcare 

Childcare and daycare look different for every family. Whether you have an infant or a school-aged child, your family’s child care needs are constantly evolving and changing. 

Inclusive childcare also means that families have access to all the care they need, whether that’s through experienced providers or through providers who understand and acknowledge a family’s preference and psychology around care. Here are some questions to ask your care provider when identifying their inclusion efforts. 

• What is your childcare philosophy? What are your goals and priorities?
• What are your hours of operation or availability? Are you flexible with working parents?
• Can you accept students of all abilities? If so, what practices do you have to include everyone?
• Do you teach children about different family types outside of the traditional heteronormative family?
• Do you offer meals for people with food allergies or sensitivities? 
• What are the costs? Are there sliding scale fees or subsidies offered for people of different incomes?

Again, these are questions to ask based on the center or provider’s level of inclusion in their practices. This should be paired with questions about the facility or individual. 

Inclusive Adult Care Services 

As we age it’s inevitable that we’ll need care. Many adults find themselves ill-prepared for the care they need at an advanced age and often rely on children and family members for their care needs. This puts a lot of pressure on the average family, so making sure that you have an inclusive care plan for your adult care needs can help you be prepared and ready for care while aging. 

Whether you’re looking for adult day care services or looking for full-time in-home care, here are some questions to ask providers on their inclusion practices. 

• What is your childcare philosophy? What are your goals and priorities?
• What are your hours of operation or availability? Are you flexible? 
• What types of special needs can you assist and support with and how?
• Do you offer meals for people with food allergies or sensitivities? 
• What are the costs? Are there sliding scale fees or subsidies offered for people of different incomes? Are you a part of the PACE program?

Conclusion 

This isn’t an exhaustive list of the questions to ask when searching for providers. It’s a thoughtful process, and Helpr exists to help connect you to caregivers in your area that fit your needs. Learn more about our app and how it can support your family’s needs!