5 Questions for a Potential Home Care Provider

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Flora Umukoro

Most seniors prefer to age in place, and this means going through the difficult process of finding the right Tracy home care provider for your senior loved one. This is an important choice that can impact your loved one’s overall health and quality of life. When interviewing prospective home care agencies, be sure to ask these five crucial questions.

1. Is the home care agency licensed and certified?

It’s a misconception that all agencies are licensed. This is only required by certain states, meaning some agencies are left without standardized oversight. However, even in states that don’t require licensing, Home Care Assistance is still bonded and insured, and responsible for all training, caregiver taxes, and dispute resolution, so the families are never held liable for anything.

2. Are the staff licensed and trained?

Ask whether the in-home caregivers are licensed, and request proof. It’s also important to ask the agency about training methods and the company’s track record to gauge quality of care. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references and background checks—if the agency refuses to provide these, this is definitely a red flag.

3. How much does it cost?

Home care costs can vary, but you don’t necessarily want to go the cheapest route. Some agencies are more expensive, but they may also offer after-hours services and other perks. At Home Care Assistance, we provide live-in senior care in Tracy as well as hourly care, so you only pay for the amount of care your senior loved one needs.

4. Does the agency offer a comprehensive care plan?

A home care agency is not meant to replace medical professionals, but it’s important that the staff follows a set plan in accordance with your loved one’s specific health needs. This might include providing medication reminders, offering mobility support during physical activity, or cooking healthy meals. Ask whether the agency can work with the doctor and if the staff is trained to handle certain medical emergencies. Make sure all plans are set in writing.

5. How are care services monitored?

The agency you hire will potentially be caring for your loved one for several hours at a time without you around. You’ll want to know how the home care agency manages its caregivers and how the care provided is monitored. Home Care Assistance caregivers take daily care notes that are shared with a Care Manager, the family, and even the physician if necessary. Our Care Managers also perform regular quality assurance checks to ensure your senior loved one is receiving the best care possible.

To learn more about home care in your area, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers in Tracy are highly trained, compassionate, and able to assist with everything from grocery shopping to personal grooming. Call us at (209) 650-8500 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with a trusted Care Manag