Caregivers and credentials
Licensed home care agency
A licensed home care agency is a business that holds a state license to provide care in people's homes. Each state sets its own rules for who needs a license. Licensing rules often cover staff screening, training, supervision, and complaints. A license is not the same as Medicare certification.
Why it matters for your family
Virginia gives a clear example. The Virginia Department of Health licenses any organization that provides home health, personal care, or pharmaceutical services at a person's residence. Other states set different rules, and some treat non-medical help differently. A common mistake is to think a license means Medicare certification. They are separate. AARP advises families to ask whether an agency is licensed by the state. Ask for the license number and check it on the state agency website. The check takes a few minutes. Also ask what the license covers. A license for personal care does not authorize skilled nursing.
Source: vdh.virginia.gov
Read more: 9 questions to ask when choosing a nursing home
Related terms
- Home care agencyA home care agency is a company that employs or contracts caregivers and sends them to clients' homes.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
- Caregiver registryA caregiver registry is a service that lists caregivers and matches them with families.
- Background checkA background check is a review of a person's records before hiring.
- Bonded and insured caregiverA bonded and insured caregiver works for a business that carries a bond and liability insurance.
- 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.
