Questions to Ask Caregivers
- What are the credentials of the caregivers who work for the agency?
- How does the agency select and train caregivers?
- Do caregivers work directly for the agency? How are they supervised?
- Are caregivers subject to criminal background checks?
- Will the same caregiver be sent to my home for each visit?
- Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient's home care needs?
- If so, what does this entail?
- Do they consult the patient's physicians and family members?
- Is the patient's course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each caregiver?
- Will the agency schedule care at any time of the day or night that my physician says is necessary?
- Can the agency provide me with written information about the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers?
- Whom should I call with questions or complaints? How will the agency respond?
Questions About Services Provided
- Can the agency provide me with written information about the services available?
- Is there a written plan of care for each patient?
- Does the agency involve the patient and caregivers in designing this plan and educate them about the care provided?
- How does the agency respond to emergencies? How long does it take to respond to calls?
- Will the agency help me find other community services such as Meals on Wheels or homemakers services — or help find medical equipment I may need?
Questions About Expenses
Many people have questions regarding how to pay for home care. Be sure you ask the agencies you speak with the following questions to find out how you can pay for the expenses you will incur:
- Is the agency certified by Medicare?
- Is the agency approved or accepted by my parent's insurance plan or supplemental insurance?
- How does the agency handle expenses and billing?
- Does the agency provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
- Does the agency offer any resources toward financial assistance?