Questions to ask a home-care agency before signing
Twelve specific questions the agency expects you to ask — and the answers that should give you pause. Built with three hospice social workers and an eldercare attorney.
STUB: the framing paragraph. Why this list exists (the first home-care meeting is dense and emotional; you need pre-written questions you can ask without trying to think). How to use the page (print it, bring it, take notes in the margins). The honest disclaimer — this is not medical or legal advice; consult professionals for specifics about your parent's situation.
Questions about who actually shows up
STUB: W-2 vs 1099 caregivers. Turnover rate. Substitute caregiver policy. Background-check depth.
Questions about training and skills
STUB: required training hours. Certifications. Dementia-specific training. Medication management scope.
Questions about money and contracts
STUB: minimum hours per visit. Cancellation policy. Holiday rates. What's billable vs included. How long the contract locks you in.
Questions about supervision and accountability
STUB: how often a supervisor visits. Incident reporting. Communication protocols if something goes wrong. Insurance and bonding.
The two answers that should make you keep shopping
STUB: the red-flag patterns. Vague answers on turnover. Defensive reactions to documentation requests. Pressure to sign at the first meeting. Concrete: if any of these three things happen, this is not the agency.