When selecting a home care agency, there are some very important questions that you should ask of your prospective services provider:
Other Considerations:
- Is the Care Provider a:
- Home Care Agency?
- Employment Agency?
- Registry/Broker?
- Independent Contractor?
- Does the home care agency accept responsibility for screening, training, insuring, and supervising its staff?
- How long has the agency been providing private duty home care?
- How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment? Do they hire independent contractors?
- Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees?
- Is there a licensed health care professional, who along with the client and family develops an individualized plan of care?
- How are emergencies handled after normal business hours?
- How often are caregiver services monitored, and does the agency employ a full time registered nurse or other qualified professional to make regular visits to the client’s home?
- Does the agency adhere to state and federal guidelines in their employment practices, such as: withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers’ compensation and other benefits?
- Does the agency manage all payroll and employee related matters?
Whenever possible, ask to meet with the prospective caregiver(s) before they are assigned to provide care. This will provide a good opportunity to interact with the caregiver prior to an assignment. If you are not satisfied with the caregiver, this is a good time to let the agency know.
Information provided by the National Private Duty Association www.privatedutyhomecare.org.
