Questions To Ask When Choosing An In-Home Care Agency
- Are all the caregivers that provide assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting Certified Nurse’s Aids?
- Can a record of payment for services be provided when applying for Title 19 or the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders? (if not, applicants may be delayed in receiving benefits)
- In the case of live-in service, 12 hour or 8 hour shift, how many caregivers will provide care in a week?
- Will client be charged time and a half if caregiver works over 40 hours?
- Does the cost of homecare increase if service is provided on weekends or holidays?
- Are Caregivers monitored to insure quality of care?
- Is there ongoing training to caregivers for dementia?
- Are criminal background checks being done?
- Are Caregivers required to pass a drug test?
- Are references being checked?
- Are the Caregivers covered by Worker’s Compensation and bonded? (if they are not, homeowners insurance may not pay if caregiver gets hurt)
- Are the Caregiver’s payroll taxes being paid to the IRS by the Agency?
- If a caregiver calls out, will another caregiver cover the shift?
- Is there 24/7 on-call availability?
- Does the agency have General and Professional Liability Insurance to protect the client?
- Is there ongoing communication, which may include home visits between the agency and client to insure client satisfaction?
- What is the minimum number of hours needed for service?
- Are there any additional fees?
- Can services be ended at any time?