Questions to Ask Home Care Agencies
Finding the perfect Home Care agency for yourself, your parent, or a friend can be a stressful process. Every company is unique in their own way. There are many factors companies differ on: Caregivers, how to maintain quality, costs, services, and licensing. It is important to investigate each company before starting services to make sure your expectations are met!
Caregiver
Is a background check done for all Caregivers?
Do your Caregivers provide references?
Are your Caregivers licensed or non-licensed?
What is the company's process if the client/client family is unsatisfied with the Caregiver’s service?
How do you match a client and caregiver?
Do you conduct supervisory visits of your caregivers?
Are the Caregiver’s W2 or 1099 Employees?
Who is required to pay caregiver income taxes?
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Quality of Care
How does the agency train and monitor staff?
Do you create a personalized care plan?
What is the process of creating a care plan?
What specific care do you offer? Hospice, dementia, etc
Is there a Licensed Nurse on staff?
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Costs
How does the agency handle billing?
What is the billing cycle?
What form of payment is accepted?
Do you offer a free in-home consultation?
Do you charge differently for weekends, nights, and/or holidays?
If we cancel a visit, will we be charged?
Do you accept Medicare Waiver or Long Term Care Insurance?
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Services
Will the client and family receive a written care plan?
Will the client and family receive the “Patient Bill of Rights?’
Will the agency work directly with the family?
When will services be provided? How many hours a day? How many days a week? Can it be around the clock?
What procedures are in place for emergencies?
When can services begin?
What if my parents' care needs change?
How does the company respond to emergencies? (Falls, skin tears, unresponsive, etc)
Is there a minimum of hours per visit and a minimum of visits per week? If yes, what would that minimum be. (Most companies have a 3-4 hour minimum per visit.)
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Other
Is the Home Care Company licensed? (This is dependent per state guidelines)
Do you have business liability insurance?
Are your employees covered by workers comp?
If we have an issue, who is our contact person?
What is your backup plan if the regularly scheduled caregiver isn’t available?
