I got the call that so many of my clients have already received. My sister-in-law called me after she visited her mother, Ruth, at her home in Central New York. She was concerned. Her mother looked like she was losing weight. She did what I always recommend to my clients and checked the refrigerator. It was empty.

Ruth is 87 and has macular degeneration.  She has not been able to drive for a few years. All of her children have moved away but her sister, Bette, lives close by and has always taken her to the grocery store and physician’s office making sure her needs were met. Unfortunately, Bette was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her family has decided she can no longer drive.  Did Ruth let any of her children know that she was no longer able to get to the grocery store easily? Of course not!

We are now in the process of finding a good non-medical home care company that can provide transportation and support to Ruth. Being a long distance caregiver is challenging. Situations change and can be easily overlooked when you are not physically there to see the impact. Many people are struggling with this so I have decided I will start to blog about my own experiences as a long distance caregiver. I will share all the ups and downs even if it means swallowing my pride and sharing my own mistakes during this process.

Our first step?  Interviewing home care companies.  I always recommend to clients that if they are long distance, they should consider hiring an agency instead of an individual. There are many reasons for this. If the agency is a good one, their caregivers and management team can become your eyes and ears and let you know if they start to notice any changes in your loved one. They also send replacements if the primary caregiver is sick or can’t be there. They also do criminal background checks, driving checks and reference checks before hiring. If something goes wrong, you have a management team you can speak with who can solve the problem. Because none of us live close by, I feel we need that level of support so an agency is the right decision for us.

Because Ruth does not require any medical care, we are only speaking to companies that provide non-medical companionship care. Here are some questions you need to ask a potential non-medical home care company to be sure you are bringing a reputable agency into your home.       

1. What is the background of your company?

Search out the history and ownership of the company. Find out who owns the company and weigh how the ownership affects the company’s service and reliability. Is this agency backed by a nationally strong firm? Is it reputable and in good standing?

2. How long has your company been in business?

The number of years an agency has been in business is not always pertinent to the quality of care given, but it does reflect on the stability and success of the company.

3. What qualifications, certifications, experience and training do you require of your workers?

Find out if caregivers’ credentials are investigated. Plus, determine whether caregivers undergo a thorough, professional testing and screening process.

4. Are your employees insured and bonded?

For your protection, ensure that all caregivers are insured and bonded by the home care agency.

5. How do you supervise your workers to make sure the proper care is given?

Some agencies make scheduled quality assurance calls and visits. To further ensure quality care, see that all caregivers are regularly and closely supervised by a qualified company representative.

6. Will the same employee continue with my case?

It is difficult to receive good care if different people show up every week. A good home care provider will be concerned with continuity of care.

7. Do you conduct a home visit before starting the home care service?

When choosing the home care services that are right for you, it is important that the patient and family members discuss the kind of care needed with a home care representative. This will help you determine whether the home care provider can meet your needs.

9. Can you give me some references from previous and current customers?

Ask for names of people. One good question to ask is “Would you use this company again for yourself or your loved ones?”

10. Do you guarantee customer satisfaction?

Find out if there is a length of time you will be committed to the home care provider even if you are unhappy with the care they are providing. The home care provider should guarantee care and cancel charges for unsatisfactory service.

Thanks to the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas for these questions. More information about non-medical home care companies, including the names of companies in your area, can be found at your local area Agency on Aging.