Have you ever worried about living a safe and independent life in your own home? Maybe you've thought that you or a loved one could use a little help bathing, taking medications, preparing meals, getting in and out of bed, or keeping up with the household duties. But the news is full of stories about strangers taking advantage of older people - and it's scary.

However, here's the good news. There are common-sense steps you can take to find an honest, reliable and competent caregiver to help you or your loved one keep the dream of living safely and independently at home.

Also, don't feel like you're all alone in your search for help. The National Family Caregivers Association estimates that 54 million Americans struggle with the problem of providing care to a loved one.

Your first decision is whether to take on the burden of hiring and managing a caregiver on your own. Are you prepared to screen, interview and investigate candidates? Will you be able to administer your caregiver's wages, payroll taxes and worker's compensation insurance? Can you handle the stress of firing, litigation or having to find an emergency substitute?

Not surprisingly, many people prefer to avoid the legal and financial liabilities of hiring their own employee. They find that hiring a reputable home care company to provide a company-employed caregiver is both safe and convenient. As in purchasing any service, however, you need to do your homework to find a reputable company you can trust. Start by asking your doctor, hospital or discharge planner. Local non-profit senior service agencies publish directories of home care providers. Also check the Yellow Pages under "Home Care" or "Home Health" services.

Once you've made a list of companies, it's time to compare. Based on a checklist of questions from the National Association of Home Care, here are ten characteristics you should look for in a reputable home care company:

1. Provides a written document that states the rights and responsibilities of the client, and explains the company's privacy policy and code of ethics.
2. Furnishes written statements describing all services and costs.
3. Does not require up-front deposits before providing services, and offers a fair policy concerning refunds and cancellations.
4. Triple-screens its caregiver employees carefully, including use of reference checks, driving records and criminal background investigations.
5. Administers liability and worker's compensation insurance coverage, payroll taxes and bonding for its employees.
6. Trains its employees continually to update their skills.
7. Consults the client and family members to professionally match a caregiver who fits the client's personality, needs and wants.
8. Develops a written, customized care plan in consultation with the client and family members, and updates the plan as changes occur.
9. Closely supervises the quality of care, including maintenance of a daily journal in the client's home and non-scheduled supervisory visits.
10. Provides emergency staff support 24 hours per day, seven days a week.