Licensing and Credentials
- Is your agency licensed by the state?
- How long have you been licensed and operating?
- Are you Medicare/Medicaid certified?
- What accreditation does your agency hold?
- Can you provide proof of current licensing?
- Are you a member of any professional organizations?
- How often do you undergo state inspections?
- What was the outcome of your last state survey?
Caregiver Qualifications
- What screening processes do you use for caregivers?
- Do you conduct background checks? What kind?
- Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
- What training do caregivers receive?
- How often do caregivers receive ongoing training?
- Are your caregivers certified in CPR and first aid?
- Do you employ LPNs, RNs, or other licensed professionals?
- What’s the minimum experience required for your caregivers?
- How do you verify caregiver credentials?
- Do caregivers receive specialized training for specific conditions?
Care Management
- Who develops the care plan?
- How often is the care plan reviewed and updated?
- Will we have a consistent caregiver?
- What happens if our regular caregiver is sick?
- How do you handle caregiver time off?
- Can we request a different caregiver if needed?
- Who supervises the caregivers?
- How often do supervisors check in?
- What documentation is maintained about care?
- How can family members access care notes?
Services and Scheduling
- What specific services do you provide?
- What are your minimum hours per visit?
- Do you require a minimum number of visits per week?
- Can we adjust the schedule if needed?
- How far in advance must we notify for schedule changes?
- Do you provide 24/7 care if needed?
- What’s your policy for holidays?
- How do you handle emergency situations?
- Do you offer specialized services for specific conditions?
- Can services be adjusted as needs change?
Communication and Oversight
- Who is our main point of contact?
- How do we reach someone after hours?
- What is your emergency response protocol?
- How do you communicate changes in condition?
- Do you provide regular updates to family members?
- How do you handle complaints or concerns?
- What’s your process for emergency situations?
- How do you coordinate with doctors?
- Do you use electronic health records?
- How do you ensure care plan compliance?
Cost and Payment
- What are your hourly rates?
- Are there different rates for different services?
- Are there additional fees for weekends or holidays?
- What insurance do you accept?
- Do you bill insurance directly?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- How often do you bill?
- Are there any minimum balance requirements?
- Do you require a deposit?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
Quality Assurance
- How do you measure quality of care?
- What’s your caregiver turnover rate?
- How do you handle medication management?
- What infection control procedures do you follow?
- How do you prevent falls and injuries?
- What’s your emergency preparedness plan?
- Do you conduct satisfaction surveys?
- How do you track and resolve issues?
- What’s your hospital readmission rate?
- How do you ensure client safety?
Staff Coverage
- What’s your policy for caregiver call-outs?
- How quickly can you provide a replacement caregiver?
- Do you have enough staff to cover all shifts?
- What’s your process for matching caregivers with clients?
- How do you handle staff transitions?
- What’s your backup staffing plan?
- Do you have specialists available if needed?
Legal and Privacy
- Are you HIPAA compliant?
- How do you protect client privacy?
- What liability insurance do you carry?
- Do you have workers’ compensation insurance?
- What are your policies regarding client property?
- How do you handle client keys and access?
- What are your confidentiality policies?
- How do you protect personal information?
Additional Considerations
- Can you provide references?
- Do you have experience with my specific condition?
- What makes your agency different from others?
- How do you handle medication errors?
- What’s your policy on gifts to caregivers?
- Do you provide any additional support services?
- How do you handle end-of-life care?
- What’s your policy on pets in the home?
- Do you provide transportation services?
- How do you handle dietary restrictions?
- What’s your inclement weather policy?
- Do you provide any specialized equipment?
To find and compare home healthcare agencies in your area, visit HomeCareList.org. Our directory helps you evaluate agencies based on these important criteria and more.