When contacting an agency make sure to address the following questions before taking service
About the Cost:
What is the hourly fee and is there a differential based on. for example, night shifts, weekend shifts and holidays?
Is there a minimum number of hours per day? or a minimum number of days per week?
Can I use long term insurance?
What does the fee cover?
How do I make payments?
About the Caregivers:
What training and qualifications do the private duty aides have?
Can I feel secure with aide in my home – are they insured and bonded?
How are the aides screened? Do you run a criminal background check?
What can the aide do for the client and around the home?
Can I be involved in planning the care and duties of the aide?
If needed, do the aides provide transportation?
Will the same aide come every day or will there be somebody different every time?
What happens if, unexpectedly, the aide is unable to come to work?
Do I have to provide meals for the aide?
About the services
How long have you been in business?
How do I make changes to the schedule?
Do I need to sign a contract with the agency?
Is there a cancellation charge if I want to cancel service?
How long must I wait once I’ve placed my request for service?
Can the agency provide references of current ad past clients families for you to call?
Customer Support
Is someone available to assist me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
How long will it take for someone to return my call after business hours and on the weekends?
Is there a specific person that I call with a concern about my service?