Finding the right caregiver for your loved one can feel overwhelming. You're allowing someone new into the home — and into your family’s daily life. Your concerns are valid, and the best way to find peace of mind is to ask the right questions during the interview and evaluation process.
The home care industry is rapidly changing with major updates in quality standards, caregiver training expectations, regulatory reforms, and consumer demand for personalized, value‑based care. Below are the 10 most important questions to ask any home care provider along with what to look for in their answers.
1. How long has your agency been providing home care services?
Experience matters more than ever. Agencies with a long history have established processes, quality controls, and stability in a rapidly shifting industry. For example: Home care demand continues to grow, and the industry faces workforce shortages and regulatory complexity in 2026, meaning experienced agencies are better positioned to maintain reliable staffing and consistent care delivery.
2. Do you develop a personalized care plan—and update it as needs evolve?
Personalized care is no longer optional. Today’s standards require care plans that evolve as conditions change.
What to look for:
- A collaborative intake process
- Regular reassessments
- Dementia‑informed care approaches if applicable
- Involvement of family decision‑makers
Homewatch CareGivers continues to apply individualized, dignity‑centered models like storytelling‑based dementia support through our Certified Dementia Care Specialist training program.
3. How do you handle after‑hours emergencies?
Care needs don’t stop at 5 p.m. Ask whether the agency provides 24/7 live on‑call support, not just voicemail callbacks.
4. How is care supervised? Do you perform unscheduled check‑ins or maintain daily care logs?
Accountability safeguards your loved one.
A trustworthy agency should provide:
- In‑home care logs or digital care notes
- Unannounced supervisory visits
- Ongoing coaching and skills reviews for caregivers
With nearly 60% of agencies reporting caregiver shortages in recent studies, routine supervision is critical for maintaining reliability and safety.
5. Do you employ nurses or other qualified professionals who regularly review client care?
Skilled oversight ensures caregivers can support individuals with chronic conditions safely.
As the industry moves toward higher‑acuity care at home and more complex client profiles, professional supervision is increasingly essential.
If an agency doesn’t have a nurse on staff, ask about their training platform—such as Homewatch CareGivers Academy, which provides ongoing professional development.
6. Will you provide a written document outlining client rights, responsibilities, privacy policies, and ethical standards?
Transparency is a core regulatory expectation.
With compliance tightening nationwide, legitimate agencies should present these documents proactively. Agencies face stricter rules around documentation accuracy, client experience, and information-sharing practices.
Do not accept vague or verbal explanations. Request written policies.
7. How do you screen caregivers? Do you conduct background checks, driving record checks, and reference verification?
Safety is non-negotiable.
The best agencies use triple screening that includes:
- Criminal background checks
- Driving record reviews
- Professional references
- Behavior/compassion assessments
8. Do caregivers receive ongoing training and skills updates?
Home care has become more sophisticated.
Industry expectations for continuing education have grown as caregivers increasingly assist with chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and Alzheimer’s. About 60% of home health visits relate to these chronic conditions.
Look for:
- Annual mandatory learning
- Specialized training tracks
- Dementia, fall prevention, infection control, and chronic disease modules
Homewatch CareGivers Academy supports continuous learning to ensure up‑to‑date, competent care.
9. Do you manage payroll, taxes, workers’ compensation, and employee benefits?
These are essential protections for families.
If the agency is the employer of record, they are responsible—not you—for:
- Payroll taxes
- Liability coverage
- Workers’ compensation
- Employment eligibility
- Benefits administration
With federal and state reimbursement rules evolving yearly, proper employment classification protects your finances and reduces risk.
10. Do you use independent contractors? If so, who is legally responsible?
If caregivers are independent contractors, you may become liable for:
- Payroll taxes
- Injury-related workers’ compensation
- Documentation compliance
- Employment law risks
This distinction matters more than ever since the Department of Labor has been revisiting rules governing home care employment classifications. Enforcement of certain regulations has paused, but permanent updates are forthcoming.
Agencies offering contractor-only models may cost less upfront but offer fewer protections, less oversight, and less training support.
Find a Trusted Home Care Provider Near You
Asking these questions—and understanding what strong answers look like—will help you feel confident and prepared when selecting in‑home care. While we hope you choose Homewatch CareGivers, our goal is to empower your family to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Download Our Professional Caregiver Evaluation Guide and schedule a complimentary consultation today to learn how our personalized, expertly supervised care can support your loved one.