Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency

About the Agency

• Does your agency conduct a needs assessment to determine care plans?
• What is your Better Business Bureau rating?
• Are you certified or accredited?
• How does your agency protect confidentiality?
• How do you handle client’s rights: freedom to request a different caregiver, cancellation of services, right to review logs regarding care?
• Do I need a doctor’s order for home care?
• How does your agency handle emergencies?

About the Agency’s Caregivers

• How do you screen, train and supervise caregivers?
• How do you match caregivers to clients/patients?
• How is the patient’s course of treatment and services documented?
• Who do we contact with questions or complaints?

About the Agency’s Services

• If necessary, is the care plan overseen by a registered nurse?
• Do you provide a written schedule of services?
• Can you help find additional services like Meals on Wheels, etc.?

About Payment and Financials

• Is your agency certified to take Medicaid and/or Medicare?
• Does your agency partner with State Funded Elder service programs that provide subsidized funding for qualified candidates?
• Do you take commercial or long-term care insurance?
• Do you have payment agreement plans?
• Do you provide detailed explanations of the costs associated with your services?
• Does your agency provide guidance to help review our financial assistance options, if needed?