Questions to ask when choosing a non-medical in-home care agency

If you are considering hiring a non-medical in-home care agency, we recommend considering the following questions.

We created this piece several years ago for our website, At Home Senior Services, and recently updated it to help families get the information they need to make better-informed decisions when hiring people to come into their loved one’s home to provide care.

1. Is the agency licensed with the state of your residence, health department and Medicaid?

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2. How long has the agency been in business?

3. Does the agency answer calls 24 hours a day, and can you talk to someone evenings and weekends?

4. What experience, training, and certificates does the agency require its employees to have?

5. Does the agency screen its potential employees and complete a criminal background check?

6. Does the agency drug-test employees?

7. Are all of the employees insured and bonded? Does the agency use independent contractors?

8. How does the agency supervise and manage its staff? Does it have a nurse on staff?

9. Does the agency send a registered nurse to assess the client and the client’s home before beginning service? If so, is that person responsible for generating a care plan?

10. Does the agency provide care around the clock?

11. Who owns the agency? Are the owners involved?

12. Will the agency provide a copy of a care plan?

13. Is there a minimum number of hours required to employ one of its caregivers?

14. What are the agency’s rates? Do the rates change depending on services and times needed?

15. Does the agency have the capacity to assist at this time?

16. Does it offer specialized care for specific needs?

17. How does the agency match clients with caregivers?

In addition, ask the agency to provide a list of references, and do an internet
search for reviews. PJC

Mary Jo Dietrich, RN-BSN, and her husband, David Dietrich, PhD, are the founders of At Home Senior Services, an in-home care agency dedicated to fostering independence in seniors. They can be reached at 412-604-0410. athomeseniorservices.com