Caregivers and credentials
Home care agency
A home care agency is a company that employs or contracts caregivers and sends them to clients' homes. It usually handles screening, scheduling, supervision, and backup staff. Licensing rules vary by state. Some agencies provide only non-medical care, and others provide medical care.
Why it matters for your family
An agency gives families a central contact when a caregiver is sick or a visit needs to change. Ask whether the caregivers are employees, what training they get, who supervises them, and what the license covers. Rules differ by state, and some states do not license non-medical agencies. A common mistake is assuming every agency can give medical care or accept insurance. Many cannot. Ask for written rates, minimum hours, and contract terms. Check with the state licensing office if your state requires a license. Ask any provider, including HomeCare.com, to explain its model and any state license in writing.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: 9 questions to ask when choosing a nursing home
Related terms
- Caregiver registryA caregiver registry is a service that lists caregivers and matches them with families.
- Licensed home care agencyA licensed home care agency is a business that holds a state license to provide care in people's homes.
- Private duty caregiverA private duty caregiver is a non-medical caregiver paid directly by the family or through an agency to provide one-on-one help at home.
- Background checkA background check is a review of a person's records before hiring.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
- Bonded and insured caregiverA bonded and insured caregiver works for a business that carries a bond and liability insurance.
