Finding the right home care agency can feel like navigating a maze without a map. Whether you are looking to hire paid help or want to become a paid family caregiver, it is important to ask the right questions to make sure that your loved one gets the help and care that they need.
Use these suggested questions to serve as your compass as you navigate home care providers.
1. What Services Do You Provide?
To find the right agency, you must first define what level of care your loved one requires. You can determine that by understanding which ADLs and IADLs they need help with:
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): Fundamental self-care like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating.
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living): More complex tasks for independent living, such as meal prep, light housekeeping, and transportation.
Ask the Agency:
“I want to care for my loved one and my loved one needs help with these ADLs and IADLs. Am I able to get paid to provide this care?”
2. What About When I’m Unavailable?
What if you have to go away or need a break? Ask your agency what their respite care looks like and whether or not you’ll be able to be covered for time off when needed.
Ask the Agency:
“What is your specific contingency plan if a caregiver calls out at 6:00 AM, and how quickly can you provide a replacement?”
3. Is the agency fully licensed, bonded, and insured?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but before continuing any call with a company that claims to be a home health care provider agency, confirm they are legitimate.
Ask the Agency:
“Can you provide current proof of your state license, bonding, and workers’ compensation insurance for all employees?”
