What to look for in a home health agency...

If you or a family member need in -home services, you should ask a few important questions about any agency or caregivers you consider, such as:

1. Are the caregivers employees of the home health agency or merely independent contractors?
2. Is the staff bonded and insured by the agency or independent contractors?
3. Are caregivers paid through the agency or directly by the patient after each visit?
4. Who pays the caregiver's taxes?
5. Who's responsible if caregivers are injured in your home-the agency or the patient/family?
6. Is there a registered nurse on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies?
7. Does the agency conduct national background and reference checks, drug testing, health testing, and skill competency levels of its caregivers?
8. Will the agency automatically provide another caregiver if the one scheduled cannot come?
9. Does the agency offer training and continuing education to its caregivers?