20 Questions To Ask Retirement Communities

Here are twenty important questions to think about when considering a retirement community:

1. How many years has your agency been in business serving the community?
2. Does your agency carry liability coverage?
3. Do you conduct national and local criminal background checks and driving records of all employees? Are personal and professional references required?
4. Are caregiver employees of your company (not contractors) protected by Workers’ Compensation?
5. Are caregivers bonded and insured for theft?
6. Do you have a systematic method for tracking caregiver arrival and departure times at a client’s home?
7. Do you provide 24/7 telephone service?
8. Do you provide backup coverage in the event a caregiver cannot make it to work?
9. Does your agency require a minimum number of hours per shift? If so, what is the minimum?
10. Do your services include personal care such as bathing, incontinence care, and mobility assistance?
11. Does your agency provide transportation services for clients?
12. Does your agency maintain a business office where I can meet you and the office staff?
13. Do you have an administrative staff I may contact for information?
14. Do you provide in writing the care services provided, and clearly describe all rates and fees?
15. Does your agency make periodic supervisory visits to a client’s home?
16. Can you provide documentation explaining the client’s rights, your code of ethics, Workers’ Compensation and HIPAA (confidentiality) compliance?
17. Can you provide emergency monitoring systems, medication solutions and other safety technology?
18. Will your agency provide a free in-home assessment prior to starting service?
19. How quickly can your agency initiate service?
20. Are you certified or licensed by any government agency to provide home care?