Check List for Screening Home Care Providers

Use this checklist and eliminate the mystery of getting started with your agency screening process:
How long has this provider been serving the community?
Do they provide literature explaining their services, fees, and eligibility?
How do they train their caregivers and administrative staff?
Are they licensed by the state they're operating in?
Do they regularly consult the family in planning the care?
Does the caregiver document their activities throughout the day and report back to the agency?
Who oversees the caregivers? How are they monitored for excellence?
Who do you call with requests, questions, and complaints?
Do they specialize in your/your loved one's companion and medical needs?
How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?
What is the billing process and are there different levels of care?
What procedures does the provider have in place for emergencies?
How is confidentiality ensured?
Do they take insurance?
What is the protocol for replacing a caregiver that becomes unavailable?
Who is responsible if a caregiver is injured on the job?
Are criminal background checks and reference checks completed on caregivers?
Is it possible to estimate the ongoing costs associated with care and how needs typically accelerate over time?