The third way to enlist the help of a caregiver is to use a home care agency like Community Care At Home. In this case, the caregiver is an employee of the agency. They have been thoroughly screened and background checks have been performed. They are supervised by the agency on a regular basis. The agency bills the client, pays the caregiver and handles all the caregiver taxes, workers compensation and in most cases, provides a substitute caregiver if the regular person is sick or unavailable. These agencies tend to charge more for their services, but you are getting more for your money.

So you've done the work and have a list of caregivers to call, and you are pretty sure you know what services you want. What should you ask the agency representative when you call? Following is a list of questions to ask every agency or private caregiver when selecting a caregiver. This is not all-inclusive; other questions will come to mind as you are talking with the agency/caregiver.

1. What do you charge? (Expect a wide variation in price. Remember, money should not be the only consideration in the selection of a caregiver.)
2. Do you accept insurance?
3. Do you offer in-home assessment?
4. Are background checks and reference checks done on your caregivers?
5. How is the caregiver paid?
6. Are you a licensed or certified agency?
7. Are the caregivers supervised? How is this done?
8. What do I do if I have a complaint or concern about the care or caregiver?
9. Do you find a substitute if the regular caregiver is unable to come?
10. What is your billing process and how will I be billed?
11. Are there any minimum requirements for care?
12. How is a caregiver selected to provide care?
13. How soon can someone start service?
14. Do the caregivers drive? Do they use their own car or the client's car?

After choosing the agency that will provide care for your loved one, arrange for service to begin. Stay in close contact with the agency, particularly when beginning care. You will be able to decide how often contact is needed with the agency thereafter. Being prepared is the best way to plan for emergencies. Know what your parent wants to do if they can't care for themselves on a short or long-term basis. Learn what options are available to you and research how you would provide care if and when needed. Stay involved in your parents' care and be available to respond to changes in their status.