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