Choosing Homecare, The “Must-Ask” Questions

Hiring In-Home Care: The “Must Ask” Questions

Choosing a caregiver for a loved one is one of the most critical decisions you will ever face. The time to start the decision-making process is now. Do not wait until an emergency or critical condition forces your hand and possibly results in additional costs for the family and unnecessary anguish for the patient.

You will find that a little research saves a lot of headaches. Have the courage to ask at least three or four organizations the questions that follow. You may be surprised at how welcome your questions are. Every reputable company wants to deal with a knowledgeable client who is a sincere and well-informed patient advocate. Ask every question, assess the answers you get, and you will find that your choice will be easy.

The “Must Ask” Questions

1. Are you licensed? For what? By whom?
2. Does your insurance protect me against improper acts by your caregivers?
3. Are your non-skilled caregivers certified? (Not necessarily required, depending on tasks to be completed.)
4. Will I be assigned the same caregiver(s) for recurring shifts, or will I see a lot of new faces each week?
5. If we are not pleased with a caregiver, how long will it take to make a change?
6. May we discuss the references you have on the caregivers you intend to assign?
7. Will you show me the most recent Criminal Background check on intended caregivers?
8. Is there a random drug screen process in operation with regard to caregivers?
9. Are Log Sheets / Activity Sheets in use if required by the state?
10. May we have a caregiver who doesn't smoke?
11. What is your company response if your referred caregiver doesn't show up?
12. Can you refer us to a caregiver who is a good cook?
13. Will our caregiver be licensed to drive the patient in the family car?
14. Do you require your people to be tested for Tuberculosis?
15. Are caregivers trained and certified in CPR?
16. What are your rates for the services I am requesting? Do you have required minimum hours of care?
17. Is there a separate fuel or mileage charge?
18. Will I be liable for any taxes of any kind relating to either the caregiver or the nature of the service?
19. Will you issue me an IRS Form 1099 to cover my caregiver(s) if I request it?
20. How much of your hourly rate is actually paid to the caregiver for each hour? (The more efficient and productive a company is, the more likely that better wages will attract top quality caregivers.)
21. Do you charge an “Up front” fee or “Deposit” before or as the case is started? Why? Will you waive it?
22. Will the caregiver clean my house? How about patient laundry? Clean bathroom? Meals? Shopping?
23. How much notice do you need before we start?
24. Will you visit the location where care will be given to check for safety concerns?
25. Will you do your own patient (client) assessment to assure you are aware of all care requirements? If so, will I be charged for that?

Another Important Consideration

You may be tempted to select care that will provide for every task, every circumstance, and all aspects that might arise during care. On the one hand, such a selection would seem to be very humane and ideal. On the other, it will eventually deprive the patient of the ability to perform those tasks he or she could have continued to perform if given the opportunity. It will also increase both the required hours of care and the related costs.