When selecting a home care agency, you should always verify:

• Are they a licensed home care agency?

• Are they accredited by the Joint Commission, CHAPS, or the state?

• Do they have a nurse on call 24/7?

• What languages are spoken at the agency?

• What is the coverage area?

• How quickly can they start care? They have to start care within 24-48 hours.

• Can they provide additional private pay services if needed?

• Are there any hidden charges?

• What will be covered by insurance, and what services will be private pay?

• Are they contracted with the Veterans Administration (VA)?

• What other managed care contracts do they have?

• Does the provider have appropriate insurances to protect against theft or malpractice and are they bonded?

• Does the provider offer flexible hours and are there any minimum hours per shift?

• Does the provider offer a free home assessment and a medical evaluation, and are there regular consultation follow-up and service evaluation meetings?

• Is the caregiver permitted to give hands-on care if the client’s health declines?

• Are the employees independent contractors or W-2 employees of the agency?