Questions to Ask When Hiring a Home Health Agency

Inviting a home health agency into your home is big decision. You’re not just choosing a service – you’re putting your trust in people who may help with medications, wound care, mobility, therapy, or day-to-day activities.

Home health can be short-term (like after surgery) or part of managing long-term care, and the “right” agency is the one that matches your needs, your schedule, and your comfort level.

The first step is determining the type of care you need:

1. Non-Medical Home Care: Home Health Aides to assist with daily activities
2. Medical Home Health Care (Skilled Care): Nursing and Therapy (PT/OT/Speech)
3. Combination of Both

Below are some questions that can assist with choosing a home health agency that can accommodate your needs.

1) “What services do you provide, and do you cover my area?”

One of the first questions to ask is whether they offer the specific services you need and if they have availability where you live. Home health agencies can vary widely. It is important to ask if they provide non-medical support or skilled medical care.

2) “What insurance do you accept, including Medicare or Medicaid?”

Understanding how care will be paid for is essential. Not all home care services are covered the same way, and coverage often depends on whether the care is medical or non-medical

3) “How do you supervise and monitor the care in my home?

The quality of care you receive depends heavily on how well caregivers are supported, supervised, and held accountable. Some agencies take a hands-off approach, while others provide ongoing oversight and regular check-ins. The difference can directly impact consistency, safety, and overall satisfaction.

4) “What are your costs and billing policies?

Understanding costs upfront is essential when choosing a home care agency. Home health care services can vary widely in price depending on the type of care, hours needed, and whether the care is medical or non-medical. Obtain a clear understanding of hourly rates, minimum hours, overtime, security deposits, and any hidden fees. Clarify whether your insurance plan, Medicare, or Medicaid covers any portion of care.

5) “How do you screen and train your caregivers?”

Ask about background checks, certifications, medical licenses, and ongoing training. A trustworthy agency should be able to explain their screening process in detail and describe how caregivers are trained and supervised on an ongoing basis. By asking this question, you ensure the caregivers in your home are qualified, reliable, and well-prepared to meet your specific care needs.

Asking questions is just the first step. Once you’ve started a conversation, your goal is to establish a clear, ongoing dialogue with the agency. This helps ensure that the care you or your loved one receives is personalized, consistent, and responsive.

In the spirit of making your in-home health care experience as positive, meaningful, and transparent as humanly possible, Health Care Connectors offers the above questions as a helpful guide. Our whole philosophy is about easing your mind with openness and honest communication – we answer questions (and welcome questions) like these every day. We look forward to answering yours.