24 Questions You Need to Ask Your Home Care Provider

Article submitted by Home Instead Senior Care.
For more information, they can be reached at: (North and Northwest Suburbs) 847-418-3300; (Northern Lake County) 847-543-8881; (NW Lake, McHenry & Northern Kane Counties) 847-462-0303; (Western Cook & N. DuPage Counties) 847-690-9825, or visit their website: www.homestead.com.

Many people don't understand all that is involved in hiring a home care provider. Often the need arises unexpectedly and without notice. Although there are a number of factors to consider in the process, following is a list of questions one must ask when hiring a home care provider.

Answer Each Question Yes or No.

• Does Your CAREGiver speak, read and write in English?
• Is your CAREGiver carefully screened?
• Have the CAREGivers' references been checked?
• Is a criminal background check performed on the CAREGiver?
• Is the CAREGivers' driving record checked annually?
• Is the CAREGiver bonded?
• Is the CAREGiver covered by general liability insurance?
• Is the CAREGiver covered by professional liability insurance?
• In the event that a CAREGiver is injured, is the CAREGiver protected by workman's compensation insurance?
• Do you withhold, file and remit all employee taxes due the federal and state governments?
• Do you file and remit all employers taxes due the federal and state governments?
• Do you pay State and Federal Unemployment taxes?
• Do you have an ongoing training program available to each CAREGiver?
• Do you have a quality control program?
• Do you supervise your CAREGiver?
• Do you make every effort possible to send the same person each time?
• Does someone from the office personally introduce the CAREGiver on their first visit?
• Does someone from the office come to our home or hospital to do a free evaluation?
• Can I change a CAREGiver if I am dissatisfied?
• Do you contact us in the event that our scheduled CAREGiver calls in sick?
• Do you keep a Journal to document daily activities?
• Is the owner of the company involved in the day-to-day operation of the company?
• Is someone available 24 hours a day to answer my questions?
• If my CAREGiver quits will you find a replacement?