In addition to checking whether an agency is licensed by the state health department, consumers should ask other questions before a paid caregiver comes into their home. Northwestern University researchers have put together a checklist of questions to ask:
* How does the agency recruit caregivers, and what are its hiring requirements?
* What types of screenings are done before a caregiver is hired? A federal or state criminal background check? Drug screening? Something else?
* Is the caregiver certified in CPR? Does he or she have any other health-related training?
* Is the caregiver insured and bonded through the agency?
* Does the caregiver have the skills you expect? (These could include lifting and transfers, homemaking and personal care such as bathing, dressing or toilet assistance, among others.)
* How does the agency assess what the caregiver is capable of doing?
* What is the agency’s policy if the regular worker cannot provide the contracted services? Will a substitute be provided if you are dissatisfied with a particular caregiver?
* Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care on a regular basis? How frequently?
* Does supervision occur over the telephone, through progress reports or in-person at the home of the older adult?
