8 Questions You Must Ask A Home Care Agency

There are various options that one could turn to when one’s physical capabilities diminish or one recovers from a short-term disability; one of the best that is comfortable from the comfort of one’s own home is by choosing a personal nurse's aide or companion. This option also helps the elder maintain ones independence.

Here are a few questions to ask each home care agency during the initial phone call; it would also be an indicator if another agency should be approached.

1) How long has your company been in business?

It is best to choose a well established company as there is a high turnover of staff in new companies, with them attracting caregivers who cannot get a job elsewhere. Also new companies have no extensive records of caregivers' past performances.

2) Are your workers bonded and insured?

It is mandatory that the company you work with has extensive insurance, including Professional and General Liability, Non-Owned Auto, a Dishonesty Bond, and Worker's Compensation policies to cover losses due to damage, theft and accidents.

3) How extensive are your criminal and background checks?

This is very necessary as there are many unscrupulous people looking for work; so ensure you do business with companies that provide criminal background check on each person they employ. It’s very necessary that such companies run a check for at least the last 5 years and provide written reference check reports.

4) Does your company have a Licensed Vocational Nurse or RN on staff?

This is very necessary as a licensed nurse on staff ensures help to the caregiver in identifying safety hazards, recognize symptoms, observe special diets, familiarize them with infection control procedures and universal precautions, establish hygiene standards, and more. They go an extra mile to provide quality assurance to the services their caregivers provide.

5) How do you select your employees?

Select a reputed agency that has minimum requirements for years of experience and levels of certification. They will even take into consideration such factors as demeanor and professionalism, weeding out the unacceptable workers; an agency that sets high standards in its hiring policies.

6) Can you send me information describing your services and fees?

An agency that provides you with important informational materials does many important tasks; these materials would enable comparison with other agencies and some useful details you never thought of. This company has gone an extra mile in other aspects of its business also.

7) Would you mind providing me with references?

It pays to find out if the agency’s clients are satisfied with the services; it is best to insist on testimonials from their more recent jobs. You may also want to talk with the clients who have had a long history with the agency; you could then know how they do business and what you can expect from them.

8) Can we set up a time to meet to discuss the details of my care needs?

It would be a good idea to meet the agency's principal(s) or representative(s) and to see their setting if possible or have them come over to your place so that you can meet them at your convenience. You could then make sure the people you are dealing with can be relied to give the best of services. You can make some better assessments about them than just talking over the phone.

These are but some of my most favorite questions that I would ask to a home care agency.

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