Questions to Ask In-Home Care Providers
Before you hire anyone—agency or independent caregiver—ask these questions. Good providers welcome thorough questions; evasive answers are a red flag. Not sure what type of care you need? Start with our types of care guide.
Questions for Agencies
About the Agency
- How long have you been in business? Look for established agencies with a track record. New isn't bad, but verify experience.
- Are you licensed and bonded? Requirements vary by state. Ask what licenses they hold and verify them.
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation? This protects you if a caregiver is injured in your home or causes damage.
- Are you accredited by any organizations? Look for Joint Commission, CHAP, or state-specific accreditations.
About Their Caregivers
- What background checks do you perform? Should include criminal history, sex offender registry, and reference verification at minimum.
- What training do caregivers receive? Ask about initial training hours, ongoing education, and specialized training (dementia, etc.).
- Are caregivers employees or independent contractors? Employees give you more protection. Contractors may mean you have employer obligations.
- How do you match caregivers to clients? Good agencies consider personality, skills, experience with specific conditions, and scheduling.
- Can we meet the caregiver before they start? You should always meet potential caregivers. Refuse agencies that don't allow this.
About Service & Logistics
- What happens if our regular caregiver is sick or unavailable? Good agencies have backup systems. Know who shows up if your caregiver can't.
- Is there a minimum number of hours per visit or per week? Many agencies require 3-4 hour minimums. Know this upfront.
- How do you handle complaints or requests for a different caregiver? You should be able to request a change without penalty.
- Do you have a nurse supervisor who oversees care? For personal care and above, RN supervision is a good sign.
- What is your communication process? How will you know what happened during each visit? Ask about care notes and family updates.
About Costs & Contracts
- What is your hourly rate? Are there different rates for different services? Get clear on all costs—weekend, holiday, overnight rates.
- Is there a deposit or setup fee? Some agencies charge initial fees. Know what's required upfront.
- What is your cancellation policy? How much notice for canceling a shift? For ending service entirely?
- Do you work with long-term care insurance? If you have LTC insurance, verify they'll work with your policy.
Questions for Independent Caregivers
Background & Experience
- How long have you been a caregiver? Experience matters, but attitude and fit matter more. New caregivers can be excellent.
- What training or certifications do you have? CNA, HHA, CPR, first aid. For specialized needs, ask about relevant training.
- Can you provide references from recent clients? Actually call them. Ask specific questions about reliability, demeanor, and trustworthiness.
- Are you willing to undergo a background check? Use a service like Checkr. Never skip this step.
- Do you have experience with [specific condition]? Dementia, Parkinson's, diabetes management—ask about relevant experience.
Logistics & Expectations
- What is your availability? Any conflicts with our needed schedule? Be specific about days, times, flexibility needs.
- How do you handle schedule changes or emergencies? What if you need them on short notice? What if they can't make it?
- Do you have reliable transportation? Can they get to your home consistently? Will they transport your loved one?
- What tasks are you comfortable with? Any you won't do? Clarify expectations about housekeeping, cooking, personal care boundaries.
- How do you prefer to communicate with families? Daily notes? Text updates? Weekly summaries? Establish expectations.
Red Flags to Watch For
Evasive About Background Checks
Any hesitation about background checks or reference verification is a serious warning sign. Move on.
Pressure to Sign Quickly
Good providers give you time to decide. High-pressure sales tactics suggest they're hiding something or desperate for business.
Unwilling to Let You Meet the Caregiver First
You should always meet potential caregivers before they start. Agencies that assign caregivers sight-unseen are a red flag.
Vague About Pricing
If they can't give you clear, written pricing, expect surprises on your bill. Get everything in writing. See our cost guide for what to expect.
No Clear Backup Plan
What happens when the caregiver is sick? If the answer is vague or "that rarely happens," you'll be scrambling when it does.
Green Flags (Good Signs)
They Ask You Questions
Good providers want to understand your situation thoroughly. They should ask about medical conditions, preferences, routines, and concerns.
Clear, Written Agreements
Professional providers have clear contracts that explain services, costs, cancellation policies, and what's included.
Encourages a Trial Period
Good matches take time. Providers confident in their quality will suggest starting with a trial before long-term commitment.
Transparent About Limitations
Honest providers tell you what they can't do. If your needs exceed their capabilities, they'll say so.
Before Your First Call: Preparation Checklist
- List specific care tasks needed (bathing, meals, medication reminders, etc.)
- Know your preferred schedule (days, times, hours per week)
- Note any special conditions or requirements (dementia, mobility issues, etc.)
- Have your budget range in mind (see cost guide)
- Prepare questions about what matters most to you
- Have contact info for references you'll want to verify
After You Hire: Ongoing Questions
The right questions don't stop after hiring. Periodically ask:
- Is the care plan still working? Does anything need to change?
- How is my loved one responding to the caregiver?
- Are there any concerns the caregiver has noticed?
- Is the schedule still working for everyone?
Regular check-ins catch small problems before they become big ones.
Ready to Start Looking?
Our assessment helps you understand what type of care fits your situation before you start calling providers.
Take the Assessment