Questions to Ask When Choosing a Home Care Provider

Before you call

Write a short list of the help that is needed. Think about the daily tasks, when help is needed, and what matters most to the person. Then ask for names. Friends, a doctor, a hospital discharge planner or the Area Agency on Aging for your area can all suggest providers. You can reach it through the Eldercare Locator.

Agency or private hire

Some families hire a caregiver directly. Others use an agency. AARP notes that when you hire directly, your family becomes the employer. That means handling pay, taxes, insurance and supervision. An agency usually handles hiring, background checks, training, scheduling and backup coverage.

Questions about the people

• Are background checks done on every caregiver? Which crimes keep a person from being hired?
• How are caregivers trained, and how is their skill checked?
• Who supervises the caregivers?
• Will the same caregiver come each time, or will it change?
• Do caregivers show photo ID when they arrive?

Questions about safety and trust

• Is the agency bonded? Can it show proof?
• Does it carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance?
• Can it give you references?

Questions about fit

• Does the agency offer the specific help you need, such as bathing, meals, company or errands?
• Are there limits on how short or long a visit can be?
• Who do you call with a question, and how fast do they answer?

After each call, ask yourself a few things. Did they listen? Did they answer in plain words? Did they seem to care about the person, not just the schedule?

Questions about how the agency checks its work

• Are personal and work references checked for job applicants?
• Does someone visit to see how the work is going? Are some visits unannounced?
• Can visits be added at night or at short notice if needed?

Questions about the care plan

• Who visits first to talk about needs, and what is their background?
• Is the care plan written, with the specific tasks listed?
• Does someone check the quality of the work?
• What happens if a caregiver cannot come? Is a substitute sent?
• What is the plan in an emergency?
• How are complaints heard and fixed?

Questions about money and the contract

Ask for all charges in writing before services start. Read the full terms, including hours, payments and the emergency plan. Read the contract before you sign, and ask about anything that is unclear. Public insurance programs often do not pay for personal care and housekeeping help, so ask what your own coverage includes.

Keep notes as you go

Use the same list for every call. Write down each answer and who gave it. The Michigan checklist has space for a yes or no and for comments. Notes make it easier to compare providers later. If answers are vague, or you feel rushed, write that down too.

Trust your own read

The Michigan Attorney General's checklist says families must decide for themselves whether an agency that offers non-medical care is a good fit. Take notes, compare two or three providers, and take your time. It is fine to ask the same questions of each one.

Next step

You are welcome to ask us any of these questions. Sparrow Haven Home Care provides non-medical in-home care. Our caregivers are background-checked and CPR/First Aid certified, and we carry liability insurance and are bonded. Every client gets an individualized consultation before services are finalized. Call (734) 436-3770 or schedule a consultation .

More guides

• What Is Non-Medical Home Care?
• Planning Respite for Family Caregivers
• Making a Home Safer for an Older Adult