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Questions to Ask When Considering A Home Care Provider   When selecting a home care agency, there are some very important questions that you should ask of your prospective services provider:   Is the Care Provider a: Home Care Agency, Employment Agency,  Registry/Broker, Independent Contractor? Home care agencies accept responsibility for screening, training, insuring, and supervising their staff. The other models do not. How long has the agency been providing private duty home care? How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment? Do they hire independent contractors? Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees? Is there a licensed health care professional, who along with the client and family develops an individualized plan of care? How are emergencies handled after normal business hours? How often are caregiver services monitored, and does the agency employ a full time registered nurse or other qualified professional to make regular visits to the client's home? Does the agency adhere to state and federal guidelines in their employment practices, such as: withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers’ compensation and other benefits? Does the agency manage all payroll and employee related matters?  Whenever possible, ask to meet with the prospective caregiver(s) before they are assigned to provide care. This will provide a good opportunity to interact with the caregiver prior to an assignment. If you are not satisfied with the caregiver, this is a good time to let the agency know. Source: National Private Duty Association More articles on how to find home care: The Best Way to Purchase Home Care: Industry Response Home Care Options

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