Key Questions When Hiring a Home Health or Home Care Agency

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You should compare and research agencies in your area by using the Medicare Guide to hiring an Agency and arrange a consult (See Resource list). The list below is compiled from this guide as well as the AARP guide for choosing a home agency. Before you sign an agency contract, ask the following questions:

Tier I Questions:

  • Is the agency licensed by the state?
  • How long has the agency been in business?
  • What services does it provide?
  • What are the rates? Is there a minimum number of required hours or a contract of any kind?
  • How do the rates vary depending on time of day or night or staff employed?
  • Are services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
  • What kind of assessment do you provide and is there a cost associated with it?
  • Are all your staff vaccinated? Can I request ONLY a vaccinated employee?
  • Do you employ HHA, Home Health Aids, or homecare companions?
  • Do you employ RN’s, LPN’s? (Home healthcare only)
  • Do you employ Physical Therapists or Occupational Therapists? (Home healthcare only)
  • How do you hire your staff and what kind of background checks do you do?

Many hospitals have their own skilled nursing agency and may point you in that direction. While it may be the easiest option, it may not be the best choice. Do your homework no matter what.

 

Tier II Questions:

  • Could you provide a care giver immediately?
  • Who supervises the staff?
  • Are they all bonded and insured?
  • Does your staff rotate, or can I request the same person or the staff member that my parent prefers?
  • What happens if a staff member does not show up?
  • Are all employees covered by workmen’s’ compensation?
  • How often does the company communicate with family members about patient status? Is it written or a phone call?
  • Does the company have a list of references or quality control reports by an outside agency? What agency (state or national) oversees them?
  • How does the agency handle complaints or issues that arise?
  • Is there a written plan of care for each patient? How often is the plan updated?
  • Will they email this plan to you weekly or monthly, whenever it is updated?
  • How do they handle a patient emergency? Call 911, the family, etc.?
  • Will they honor a D.N.R (Do Not Resuscitate) if applicable?