CHECKLIST
Choosing in-home care: questions to ask
In-home care can keep a parent independent longer. These are the questions that separate a good fit from a stressful one.
About the agency or caregiver
- Are caregivers screened, bonded, and insured?
- Who covers a shift if the regular caregiver is sick?
- How are caregivers supervised, and who do I call with a concern?
About the care itself
- Exactly which tasks are included (bathing, meals, meds reminders, errands)?
- Is there a written care plan, and how often is it reviewed?
- What's the minimum number of hours, and how is time billed?
About money
- What is the hourly rate, and what raises it (holidays, short shifts)?
- Which costs might long-term-care insurance or benefits help with? Ask the Eldercare Locator or a benefits counselor — not a sales rep.