Selecting Home Care Agency

Interview several agencies.
Get references and CHECK THEM.
Make a list of services you want and ask the agency what it will cost.
Ask what the steps are in the care planning and management process and how long each will take.
Find out how and when you can contact the care manager.
Find out if the agency has a system for sending a substitute (stand-in) aide if the regular one doesn’t show up.
Ask if the agency will replace the aide if that aide and the person in care do not get along.
Ask about the skills and ongoing training of personnel.
Ask how they keep track of the quality of services.
Ask for the services needed by the person in care, even if the insurance company is trying to hold down costs.
Be aware that if a social service agency is providing the care services, they may limit you to only the services that they provide.
Ask them to tell you about any referral-fee agreements they may have with nursing homes or other care facilities.
Know what you have to do to lodge complaints against the agency with the state ombudsman or long-term-care office.
Get in touch with the local/state Division for Aging Services to check for complaints against a particular agency.

Checklist: Things to Do Before Selecting an Agency