Questions to Ask Before Hiring In-Home Care
Before hiring in-home care, ask whether caregivers are agency employees, how they’re screened and trained, whether the agency is licensed, bonded, and insured, how missed shifts are covered, and exactly what services and rates are included. If you hire someone directly, you take on responsibilities an agency would otherwise handle.
Agency or independent caregiver?
Agencies handle screening, payroll, backup coverage, and insurance, usually at a higher rate. Hiring directly can cost less, but you may become a household employer, with tax and insurance responsibilities. See IRS Publication 926 and talk with a tax advisor.
What should you ask the agency?
Are you licensed in this state?
Are you bonded and insured?
Are caregivers employees or contractors?
How are caregivers screened and trained?
Who supervises them?
What should you ask about caregivers?
Will we have the same caregiver most of the time?
How do you match caregivers to clients?
What happens if a caregiver is sick or doesn’t show up?
What should you ask about services and cost?
What’s the hourly rate, and is there a minimum number of hours?
What’s included: companionship, personal care, medication reminders?
How does billing work, and what are the contract terms?
What are the red flags?
Vague answers about screening or insurance
Pressure to sign a long contract quickly
No clear plan for missed shifts
How do people pay for in-home care?
Staying Power is a licensed insurance agency that helps people plan how in-home care would be paid for.
At national median rates, a home care aide costs about $35 an hour. (CareScout) Medicare doesn’t cover ongoing custodial care. With the coverage we offer, long-term care insurance pays a cash benefit you can use for an agency or an independent caregiver. Reimbursement-based policies may limit which providers they pay. Get started to see what care costs and how to fund it.
Related reading: How Much Help at Home Do You Actually Need?, How Much Does Long-Term Care Cost?, and Signs a Parent Needs More Help at Home.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Medicare may cover part-time skilled home health care if you’re homebound. It doesn’t cover ongoing custodial care.
Is an agency or a private caregiver better?
Agencies offer more protection and backup; private caregivers can cost less but add employer responsibilities.
