The Caregiver’s Cheat Sheet to:
Hiring a Home Care Agency
(For when you have no idea what you're supposed to ask)
The Caregiver’s Cheat Sheet to:
Most people don’t think about what to ask a home care agency until they suddenly need one.
And once you start looking, everyone says they provide “compassionate care.” Cool, cool. But what does that mean in real life?
Here’s what to ask and what to listen for.
1. The Setup: How Care Actually Starts
How do you match caregivers with families?
How much input will we have in selecting the caregiver?
Will we meet the caregiver beforehand?
What happens if it’s not the right fit?
How quickly can care typically begin?
Who is our main point of contact?
What happens after hours or on weekends if there’s an issue?
Good Signs
Clear process. Thoughtful matching. Reassurance that it’s okay if the first caregiver isn’t the perfect fit.
Red Flags
Answers like “We send whoever’s available.”
2. The People: Who’s Coming Into the Home
Do caregivers undergo background checks and drug screening?
Are caregivers bonded, insured, and covered by workers’ compensation?
Do they receive ongoing caregiver education, coaching, or skills development?
Do you offer dementia or Alzheimer’s-specific training?
What level of supervision or oversight do caregivers receive once care begins?
How do you assess whether a caregiver is actually doing well in the role?
What qualifications, onboarding, or safety training do caregivers receive before working with clients?
Can I speak with other families who’ve used your services?
Are caregivers employees of the agency?
Good Signs
Specific answers. Ongoing education. Clear explanations about screening, insurance, oversight, and what protections are in place for both families and caregivers.
Red Flags
Brush-offs like “We’ve never had an issue.”
3. The Backup Plan: When Real Life Gets Real
What happens if a caregiver calls out sick?
Is backup coverage available?
How do caregivers communicate updates to families?
Do caregivers document changes in mood, appetite, mobility, or behavior?
How are emergencies handled?
How quickly are concerns escalated to family members?
Good Signs
Clear communication systems. Backup plans. Processes that don’t rely entirely on you managing everything.
Red Flags
“We usually figure it out.”
4. The Care Plan: What They Can Actually Help With
What services are included?
Are transportation services available?
Are there tasks caregivers are not permitted to do?
Can caregivers assist with bathing, toileting, transfers, and mobility support?
Can you help with dementia-related behaviors or confusion?
Are overnight shifts or live-in care options available?
Good Signs
Honest clarity about what they can and cannot provide.
Red Flags
Overpromising. Making it sound like every caregiver can handle every situation equally well.
5. The Fine Print: Scheduling, Costs & Policies
Is there a minimum number of hours required per shift or per week?
Are weekends or overnight shifts priced differently?
Is there a long-term contract?
Are there cancellation fees?
How much notice is needed to cancel or change services?
Does the agency accept long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits?
Will someone help explain billing and payment options?
Good Signs
Transparency. Patience. Willingness to walk you through things slowly.
Red Flags
Avoiding direct pricing answers. Pressure to commit immediately. Policies that somehow appear after you sign paperwork.
6. The Gut Check: How It Feels to Work With Them
Because this is still someone coming into your home. Pay attention to:
Do they speak respectfully about older adults and caregivers?
Do they understand that this is emotional — not just logistical?
Do they talk with you or at you?
Do they make room for your concerns?
Do they seem rushed?
A good agency should make you feel more supported, not more overwhelmed.
Last Thought
Good care is about more than filling a shift. It should feel like a good fit, too. You’re trusting people with your home, your routines, and someone you love.
Ask the questions.
Want more tips and tricks about in-home care?
Listen to Caregiver Chats with Dr. Lakelyn, wherever you get your podcasts.
For more than 30 years, Home Instead has delivered high-quality, personalized in-home care for older adults. With a global franchise network and more than 100,000 Care Pros, Home Instead provides over 60 million hours of care each year. Each Home Instead® office is an independently owned and operated franchise of Home Instead, Inc., an Honor company.
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