Vetting In-Home Care
Hire carefully. Trust + safety first.
Agency vs private hire
- Agency — handles taxes, insurance, backup. $25-40/hr. Safer.
- Private hire — $15-25/hr. You handle taxes + payroll. Riskier.
- Most families start with agency, switch to private after finding good aide.
- Agencies replace if aide sick — reliability.
Agency vetting checklist
- State-licensed home care agency.
- Bonded + insured (workers comp + liability).
- Background-checked employees.
- Drug-tested employees.
- References — talk to 3 current clients.
- BBB rating + Google reviews.
- Plan in writing with hourly rate + hours.
- RN supervisor for medical needs.
- 24/7 phone if aide doesn't show up.
Aide interview questions
- Years of experience + types of seniors cared for.
- CPR + first aid certified?
- Worked with dementia / mobility issues?
- Driving record (if needed for errands).
- Cooking ability / dietary preferences.
- Why work in home care?
- How handle crisis (fall, choking)?
- Do they smoke?
- Trust your gut — bad fit = move on.
Protect senior + valuables
- Lock up jewelry, cash, prescriptions.
- Inventory valuables before aide starts.
- Bank statements + checkbooks secure.
- Camera in main living areas (legal in most states — check yours).
- Family check-ins regularly (varied times).
- Gift-giving rules — no cash, no expensive gifts.
- Aide doesn't take senior to bank/notary.
Red flags in agencies
- No state license to share.
- Cash-only payments.
- Aides change constantly.
- No supervision visits.
- Pressure to sign long-term contract.
- Vague pricing.
- Bad reviews about missed shifts.
- Aides asking for personal favors / loans.
Free help
Care.com — find aides + caregivers. A Place for Mom — free senior placement. Eldercare Locator — 1-800-677-1116. Medicaid + VA programs cover home care for eligible. Long-term care insurance covers if pre-existing policy.