10 questions to ask before you hire a home care agency

Before you call

You will talk to several agencies, and their brochures all sound the same. Spend ten minutes writing down what a typical week looks like for your parent, then ask every agency the same questions so you can compare the answers side by side.

Questions worth asking

1. How do you match a caregiver to my parent? Ask whether you meet the caregiver before the first shift, and what happens if the fit is not right.
2. Who supervises the caregiver, and how often? A supervisor who visits in person sees things a phone call does not.
3. What happens when a caregiver calls out sick? You want a named back-up plan, not a promise.
4. Are your caregivers employees or independent contractors? This affects training, supervision, and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
5. What can caregivers do about medication? Ask what they may and may not do, and whether a nurse oversees it.
6. Is there a minimum number of hours per visit or per week? Many agencies have one, and it changes the total price more than the hourly rate does.
7. How do you bill, and what is not included? Ask about holidays, mileage, cancellation fees and supplies.
8. What training do caregivers receive? Ask about dementia care, safe transfers and first aid, and how often training is refreshed.
9. How do you keep family informed? Look for a written care plan and a regular update you can actually read.
10. What does your contract say about ending care? Know the notice period before you sign.

Write the answers down

Keep one page per agency. By the third call the details blur together, and your notes are what help you choose.

One limit on this list

None of this is medical advice. Questions about medications, diagnoses or the right level of care belong with your parent's doctor or a licensed care manager.