Questions to Ask When Hiring an In-Home Caregiver Agency
Background, Training, and Care Questions
About the Company
What inspired the founding of your agency? Can you share the story behind how it got started?
How many caregivers do you currently have available to serve in our area?
About the Caregivers
What led you to become a caregiver, and what motivates you to continue in this work? (for caregivers directly)
What are the qualifications of your caregivers? (e.g., CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant, or Home Care Aide)
Do you conduct background checks or screening beyond the State’s minimum requirements?
Can you provide references both for the company and for individual caregivers?
Have your caregivers been tested for tuberculosis (TB)?
Are your caregivers certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid?
Training and Skills
What topics are covered in the State-mandated 12 hours of annual continuing education?
Do you offer additional training beyond those 12 hours? If so, what does it include?
Medical and Specialized Care
Are your caregivers nurse-delegated to provide certain types of in-home medical care? If so, what kinds?
Do you offer specialized care for specific conditions, such as mobility challenges, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or Frontotemporal Dementia?
Daily Living Support
Are caregivers able to assist with light housekeeping or meal preparation?
Communication, Emergencies, and Caregiver Placement
Emergency Procedures
What steps do you take in the event of an emergency in the home?
Care Coordination & Communication
Is it okay for us to provide the caregiver with a to-do list?
How do you communicate with clients and their families about concerns, updates, or care recommendations?
If we have questions or concerns, what is the best way to reach you? Is there someone available after hours?
Caregiver Scheduling & Backup
What happens if our regular caregiver is unavailable or doesn’t show up? What is your backup plan?
How quickly can you place a caregiver in our home?
Will we have a chance to meet or interview the caregiver before they begin?
If the caregiver isn’t the right fit, can we request a replacement? What is the process for doing that?
Billing & Cost Questions
Daily Living Support
Is there a minimum number of hours per day or shifts per week required to receive care? If so, what is the minimum?
Are your rates different for evenings, weekends, or holidays?
If applicable, what are the costs associated with in-home medical care provided through nurse delegation or home health nursing?
How often do you send invoices, and what forms of payment do you accept?
Do you require a deposit to begin services?
Do you accept long-term care insurance, Medicare (for Home Health services), or Medicaid (for qualified clients)?
If you accept insurance, do you bill directly, or do clients pay upfront and seek reimbursement?
