Comparing home care providers is easier with a consistent set of questions. Ask each one the same things and the differences become clear.
About the caregivers
Who will actually be in the home, and how are they prepared for the work?
- How are caregivers screened and prepared before working with clients?
- How is a caregiver matched to a person and family?
- Can we meet the caregiver before care begins?
- What happens if the match isn't right?
About scheduling
Reliability is the part families feel every single week.
- What days and hours are available?
- How is a missed or covered shift handled?
- How far ahead do schedule changes need to be requested?
About communication
Ask who to contact with a question, how quickly to expect a response, and how families are kept informed about how visits are going.
About the care plan
Find out how the plan is created, how often it is reviewed, and how the person receiving care and the family take part in changing it.
Trust your read of the conversation
Clear answers, straight talk about limits, and genuine interest in the person receiving care all say a great deal about how care will feel day to day.
This article is general information about home care and is not medical advice. For guidance about a specific person's health, speak with their healthcare provider.