How to Assess a Home Care Agency

At some point in your care giving experience, you may be faced with a decision regarding home care for your loved one. Making an informed choice can take time, as it involves gathering detailed information to thoroughly evaluate home care agencies. This can seem like an overwhelming task, especially for already-overburdened caregivers.

To help prepare you for this difficult decision, we have prepared some essential questions for you to consider when evaluating home care agencies.

What type of agency is this? (Home Care, Employment, Registry/Broker or Independent Contractor)
Does the agency accept the responsibility for any of the following with regards to its staff? (Screening, Training, Insurance, Supervision)
How long as the agency provided this kind of care?
How does the agency screen and select caregivers for an assignment?
Does the agency hire independent contractors?
What of the following are conducted with all employees? How often? (References Verified, Drug Testing and Criminal Background Screen)
Who helps our family develop an individualized plan of care? Is he/she a licensed health care professional?
How are emergencies handled outside of business hours?
How are services monitored? Does a registered nurse make regular visits? How often?
Does the agency follow sound business policies by withholding appropriate taxes, providing worker?s compensation and other benefits?
Does the agency manage all payroll and employee-related matters?

Reputable agencies should be able to provide you with answers to all of these questions. For a printable version with these and other helpful suggestions and notes, click here [agis.com/Document/18/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-home-care-agency.aspx].

AGIS is a pioneering online solutions portal for caregiving, eldercare, long term care and disability information with the mission to connect caregivers to information, resources, providers and programs that improve the quality of life of elders and family members. AGIS is dedicated to becoming the leading online resource to improve the quality of life for eldercare givers and recipients. Visit [agis.com] for more information.