Home Care Checklist

Selecting a home care agency to assist with caring for your care recipient can seem daunting. It can help to think of the process in a formal way if you are not familiar with the potential care provider. In the checklist below, we have provided a number of questions you can use in interviewing the agency, their management, and staff. First-hand impressions can be revealing when selecting staff; however, you may conduct the interview by phone if time and distance is an issue.

Some questions you may want to ask are included below. It may be helpful to write the answer here, noting any "gut" level feelings you have as well as factual responses.

Prior to interviewing the agency, make a list of your care recipient's needs. Include the number of days per week care is needed, the types of activities for which assistance may be required, whether companionship is desired, and whether the care recipient needs to have his or her own transportation. Use this list to narrow the choices available to fit your needs. 

Questions for Home Health Care Agency Managers

Is this agency licensed or certified?  Yes  No

List the licenses or certifications here: ___________

How long have they been in business? ___________ 

Can they meet my care recipient's needs?  Yes    No

Can they provide transportation or run errands?  Yes    No

Is there an extra fee for transportation services?  Yes    No

Do they provide a free assessment visit?  Yes   No

What is their hourly rate? ___________

Do they charge more on weekends and evenings?  Yes  No

How do they assure staff arrive as scheduled? ___________

Do they replace staff who do not show up?  Yes   No

What is the procedure to use if staff do not show up? ___________

Do they take time to write a plan of care?  Yes   No

Can you get a copy of this plan of care?    Yes  No

Is there access to the agency 24 hours a day, 7 days/week?  Yes  No

Does the agency ensure confidentiality?  Yes  No

If yes, how do they maintain confidentiality? ___________

Are background checks conducted on all staff?  Yes  No

If you have a problem with staff that is assigned, what process can be used to assess the situation and obtain a suitable replacement? ___________

Questions for Home Health Care Agency Staff 

Does the staff have experience with the issues or diagnosis of your care recipient?  Yes  No

How are staff trained? ___________

How are staff supervised? ___________

Is there special training or certification provided for staff who care for those with special needs (i.e, hearing/vision impaired, memory loss, physical limitations, stroke, etc.)?   Yes  No

Do staff receive ongoing education and training?   Yes  No

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