Caring Checklist: Choosing an In-Home Care Agency
Print out this list to help guide your phone interviews with in-home care agencies. Also, be sure to take detailed notes and to speak to the agency owner or manager to get the most thorough answers.
The basics
These questions will help you determine if the agency is legitimate and operating above board.
Is your agency licensed by the state?
Do you have a business license in your city?
Are your care workers bonded and/or insured?
Are your care workers legal residents of the U.S.?
The care staff
Do your care workers receive regular immunizations for influenza, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and other communicable illnesses?
Ask to see documentation.
How do you screen your care workers?
Ask for specifics. It's best if the agency runs a national, fingerprint-based background check for all workers, along with checks on references, credit history, and driving record, plus drug screenings and checks against sexual offender databases.
What training do you provide?
Ask for details. Training can differ greatly, from sessions with an outside expert to a quick online course.
What supervision do you provide?
Ask specifically whether there are nurses or social workers on staff to provide support and advice to the care workers.
Can we interview different care workers and choose which one we'll work with?
Paying for services
What do you charge?
Make sure to ask if there are any additional charges or fees that might apply in your situation.
Do you accept payment from insurance companies?
Do you offer a payment plan or other types of financial assistance? Do you accept credit cards?
Are your care workers employees or independent contractors?
Ask if the agency will take care of all payroll paperwork (including taxes, insurance, or benefits), or if that will be your responsibility.
Working out the details
These questions can help you narrow your list from a few agencies you like to the one you like best.
What kind of service agreement is required?
Do you have guidelines or standards of conduct for your care workers?
Ask to see a copy.
Do you have consistent assignments, or will the care workers change on a regular basis?
Consistency is especially important for someone with dementia.
What happens if my normal care worker is sick or on vacation?
Ask if the agency will automatically send a replacement.
How do you handle conflicts between a care worker and a client?
Am I expected to provide meals for the care workers we hire?
Can your employees drive my loved one to appointments or social outings?
If so, ask what, if any, mileage charges apply.
Can I talk to former or current clients?
