Top 10 Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency

Home care is a type of care that assists seniors in their homes. Services can be provided by an agency that employs professional caregivers, or by independent caregivers hired as a household employee. The amount of care can vary based on the senior’s needs and may range from a few hours each week to 24-hour supervision. Home care offers flexibility for families and it can help seniors to age in place while also providing support for family caregivers.

Is home care the right fit?

Planning ahead for home care is important, especially if your loved one has comprehensive care needs. Interview and compare multiple home care agencies before making a decision. And while outlining the details of your love ones care needs is essential, make sure to consider their personality and interests as well.

1. Is the home care agency licensed? 

Many states require a home care provider to be licensed to provide services. Licensure is not an evaluation of the quality of a home care provider, but it indicates that they should be able to offer a basic level of care. The state licensing process often includes inspection reports to determine if the provider complies with the state’s requirements. However, not all states have licensing requirements for home care.

2. Is the home care provider bonded? 

Home care bonds offer financial protection to seniors and their families in case of malicious treatment or damages caused by a provider. The company that issues the bond often reviews a provider to verify the quality of their services. While not required by law, many home care providers are bonded.

3. Is the home care agency insured? 

An agency needs to be properly insured so that you and your family are not liable if a caregiver is injured on your property. It is also important that an agency has business liability insurance to help cover the cost of any injury or property damage. Home care providers often have business liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You can always ask an agency for a copy of their insurance certificate for confirmation.

4. Does the agency or caregivers have references? 

Contacting a reference can help to ensure that your loved one will receive quality service. You can also learn more about the caregiver’s personality and what their bedside manner is like from a reference. Although online reviews can be helpful, contacting a reference is a good way to verify that the reviews are accurate.

5. Does the agency create a personalized care plan for each client?

How an agency assesses a client’s care needs and schedule can offer insight into whether they’ll be a good fit. Inquire about who is involved in creating the care plan. Family input should be welcomed and many home care agencies have a registered nurse on staff to oversee the process. It’s also good to ask how often the care plan is updated.

6. What care services does the agency offer?

The type of care an agency offers can often dictate whether or not it’s a good fit for your loved one. Additionally, for families whose loved one is living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease or another condition, it’s important to know if the caregivers have the specialized training and knowledge to match their client’s care needs.

7. Does the agency conduct background checks on its caregivers?

Families trust home care agencies to help them find a caregiver who’s knowledgeable, trustworthy, dependable, and friendly. Understanding an agency’s hiring policy and vetting process can provide additional comfort and peace of mind.

8. What is the agency’s protocol if a regularly scheduled caregiver isn’t available?

Most home care agencies will schedule a substitute caregiver to ensure your loved one continues to receive care. Understanding how a home care agency handles unforeseen circumstances can help you feel better prepared.

9. How does the agency charge for services?

Home care agencies typically require a minimum number of caregiver hours or shifts per week. They may also charge different rates for nights, weekends, and holidays. Make sure to ask how the agency charges so you can compare the agency’s costs with your loved one’s budget. Some home care agencies may also require a deposit for services.

10. What forms of payment does the agency accept?

Many families pay for home care services using private funds. But some agencies may accept payment through long-term care insurance, veteran’s benefits, or public options such as Medicaid or Medicare. Eligibility for financial assistance varies by state and individual need.

Additional questions to ask a home care agency

• How long has the agency been in the business?
• How does the agency communicate with family regarding issues, concerns, or recommendations?
• Does the agency’s caregivers receive ongoing training?
• How does the agency evaluate caregiver performance?
• Can family members meet potential caregivers?
• How does the agency match their clients with caregivers?

Home care questions? Get expert help

The main advantage of using a home care agency versus a private caregiver is that an agency will handle the background check and screening process for its employees. When choosing a private caregiver, the senior’s family may need to handle these essential steps on their own. Agencies often employ several caregivers, which typically makes finding a replacement hassle-free.

Searching for a home care provider that meets your family’s needs can be a challenging pursuit. A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help you navigate your uncertainties and help find the home care provider that fits for your family’s budget. Our experts work closely with local providers and senior living communities to help you find the senior care option that works best for your elderly loved one.