Peter G. Violette, LCSW, is the owner of Comfort Keepers, a home care agency in southern Maine. This is his list of important questions to ask potental care providers.
- Is the agency certified by the State to provide home care services, and exactly what services do they provide?
- Will a free in-home assessment prior to beginning services be completed, and what are that person’s qualifications?
- How are the caregivers selected? Are they screened, bonded and insured?
- Will I have the same caregiver each time?
- Is there a method for tracking caregiver arrival and departure times at the client’s home?
- If a caregiver is out sick, is there emergency backup coverage available?
- Will someone be available 24 hours a day to answer the phone, handle questions, concerns, or emergencies, even on weekends and holidays?
- What are your rates and are there a minimum number of hours required?
- Are invoices detailed and easy to understand?
- What qualities set you apart from other home care agencies?