Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider

Not all providers are equal, and the differences matter. These questions separate excellent agencies from mediocre ones — and legitimate ones from risky ones.

Care and caregivers

How do you screen and train caregivers? Are they employees or contractors? Will we meet the caregiver before care begins? What happens when our regular caregiver is sick?

Plans and communication

Who writes the care plan, and how often is it updated? How will we receive updates after visits? Who do we call at 2am if something goes wrong?

Business and billing

Are you licensed, bonded and insured? What is your minimum visit length? Are there long-term contracts? How do you handle complaints — and what is your replacement guarantee?

Trust your notes

Write down the answers and compare providers side by side. Vague answers to the screening questions are themselves an answer.