According to the National Council on Aging, Inc., it’s wise to start the process of choosing a caregiver by determining what kinds of services would be most useful. One way to do this is to:
- Identify what the person can currently do and where help may be needed;
- Evaluate what help family members can provide; and
- Figure out what additional assistance is required.
- How long has the agency provided home services?
- Does the agency have a written statement of fees, eligibility, and payment procedures?
- Is it currently a licensed agency, and is it bonded and insured?
- Can the agency provide you with references from people who have used its services?
- Does the agency provide a written plan of care that explains the service to be performed, identifies the days they will provide care, and spells out the fees?
- Is this plan reassessed periodically? Is the family notified of any changes in the plan?
- Are there extra charges for travel, lunch, supervision, or weekends and holidays?
- Is there a minimum number of hours or days of service required?
- Is help available during evenings and weekends?
- Is there someone to contact after hours?
- How are emergencies handled?
- How does the agency recruit, screen, and train its workers?
- Will the agency send the same employee(s) regularly?
- How does the agency respond when a caregiver calls in sick?
- If the client is dissatisfied with the caregiver, will the agency send someone else? If so, how soon?
- Who is the agency’s contact person for questions or complaints?
- What is the billing process?
- Which insurance plans does this provider accept?
