Part 2 of 2:

How do I choose a home care provider?
The questions below will help you choose the home care provider that is appropriate for your medical needs and family situation. Regardless of whether the care you seek is skilled or home support care, it is important that you know the answers to the following questions.

What should I consider when hiring privately or through an agency?

AGENCY:
*Is the agency performing criminal background checks?
*How long and what geographical areas are covered in the background check they perform?
*What are the experience levels and specialties of aides available?
*Will the agency be responsible for finding a replacement caregiver if my regular aide is sick or on vacation?
*What hours can I speak to someone from the agency?
*Is the agency licensed and bonded?

PRIVATELY:
*Should the family perform a background check?
*What is the aid’s previous experience?
*Who will replace my caregiver if they are sick or on vacation?
*Does the caregiver have any type of licenses or certifications?
*Do I have to do reference checking?
*Who will be my advocate if I have a problem with my
caregiver?

Points to consider when choosing a home care provider:

— How can I cancel the service I requested?

— How much is the cancellation charge?

— Who do I call if my caregiver is unable to work?

— What is their phone number?

— What are the fees?

— What exactly is covered by those fees?

— Will the agency respond to requests for “short notice” services?

— Is there an extra charge for these services?

— Is there a minimum or a maximum number of hours of home care service per day?

— Is there a minimum or a maximum number of days of home care service per week?

— Is there someone available to assist me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

— How long will it take someone to return my call after business hours?

— How do I make changes to the initial caregiver schedule?

— Do the aides provide transportation if needed?

— What type of screening does the agency perform?

— How long will I wait for service after placing my request?

— Will the same caregiver assist me every day or will it be somebody different?

— Will someone from the agency call to see if I am satisfied with the services provided to me?

— How often will they call and check-in with me?

— Will I be responsible for providing meals for the caregiver?

— Will my live-in caregiver require a private bedroom?

— Will my caregiver clean my house and do my laundry?

— Do I need to sign a contract with the agency?

— How long is the contract good for?

— What does it entail?

— Do I need to have a qualified, elder law attorney review this contract before signing it?

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