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
- 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?