Questions to Ask All Home Care Providers

 

• Has the caregiver been trained?

  • By whom?

  • Extent of training?

  • Does the agency train all its caregivers?

  • Does the training include education on dealing with rare diseases?

 

• Have the agency’s caregivers passed criminal background checks and drug screenings, and have personal references been secured on all caregivers?

 

• Are the caregivers bonded and insured? This means the company covers claims and insurance, so the homeowner is not liable should something happen.

 

• Does the caregiver have workers’ compensation coverage?

 

• Can you check references on the agency?

 

• Does the agency offer back-up / replacement caregivers?

 

• How much input will you have in selecting the caregivers?

 

• What restrictions (if any) apply to the services provided?

  • Hours of service?

  • Weight restrictions?

 

• How much flexibility will you have in setting a schedule for services?

 

• How much notice does the agency need to begin or cancel service?

 

• What is the cost of service, including:

  • Minimum hours of service per visit / week / month?

  • Special overnight rates?

 

• Does the agency maintain a quality assurance or supervisory program?

 

• What is the agency’s communication plan to keep families informed?

 

• Does the agency require a service deposit?

 

• Does the agency offer the personal care services the patient needs, like assistance with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom?

 

• Are patients’ special needs, such as language preferences, accommodated?

Caregiving Right Now

When Keeping Your Loved One at Home Means Bringing In Help

Additional Questions to Ask a Medical Home Care Provider:

 

In addition to the questions above, it’s important to ask a medical home care provider the following:

 

• Is the home healthcare agency certified?

 

• Does the home healthcare agency offer a full range of home healthcare services, including skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapies; IV therapy; and home health aides?

 

• How do you receive a referral for home healthcare agency services? A referral can be made by anyone involved in a patient’s care – physician, family or others. If someone other than a physician makes referrals, many home healthcare agencies contact the patient’s physician to approve orders for service.

 

• Does the hospital discharge planner, doctor, or social worker recommend the home healthcare agency? Those recommendations can serve as a second reference.

 

• Does the home healthcare agency have the staff available at night and on weekends for emergencies?

 

• Where else could you find information about certified home healthcare agencies?

 

• Does the home healthcare agency have staff available to provide the type and hours of care as prescribed by the physician?