When choosing an in-home senior care provider, you want the very best for your parent, grandparent or loved one. So it’s important to do your research and talk with several agencies to find the best fit for you and the family member in need of care.

Here are the 10 most important questions to ask an in-home care provider before making a decision:

1. Are you a licensed provider?

An in-home care provider should be licensed, bonded and insured. Depending on the specific healthcare services you need, staff members may also need to be registered or licensed nurses.

2. What specific services do you offer?

In-home care needs vary from person to person, so it’s best to ask about specific services. You’ll want to find a provider best suited for your loved one, so be sure to outline priorities and expectations.

3. How many years of experience do you have?

Experienced caregivers know how to respond to any given circumstance, because they’ve been there before. Ask how long staff members have been providing in-home care, both collectively and individually.

4. Do you perform background checks on all your staff?

You want to feel confident leaving your loved one in the care of each staff member employed with the agency. Make sure the provider performs background checks on all team members as part of the hiring process.

5. How many different employees will work with my family member?

Your family member should feel as comfortable as possible for the duration of in-home care. Ask how many employees are assigned to each client to be sure your loved can build a trusted relationship with each caregiver over time.

6. Are you services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Not all providers offer round-the-clock in-home services, so if your loved one requires constant care, be sure this is one of the first questions you ask.

7. What type of insurance, if any, do you accept?

You want to be sure your in-home care provider is a good fit both personally and financially, so ask about insurance options or payment plans.

8. Are supervisors assigned to oversee the quality of care provided?

Because there are generally several care providers assigned to each client, you want to be sure there is some kind of quality assurance plan in place. Ask what kind of supervising procedures you can expect.

9. What makes your services stand out among the rest?

Aside from licenses and experience, you want to choose a provider that goes above and beyond. Look for an agency that demonstrates compassion and character, not just technical skills.

10. Can you provide a list of references?

Ask the in-home care provider to supply you with a list of references, such as doctors, past clients and family members of clients who can tell you about their experiences with the agency.

Deciding on the perfect in-home senior care provider is incredibly important, for your own peace of mind and for the comfort of your loved one. Spend as much time as it takes to fully assess your options, so you can feel confident that you’ve chosen the most qualified services available.

Vistelan Healthcare is a licensed, bonded and insured in-home care provider in Charleston, South Carolina. With over 50 years of health care experience, Vistelan’s team of caregivers provides an extensive range of services specially catered to each client.

If you’re looking for in-home care you can trust in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, or a surrounding area, call Vistelan Healthcare at 843-771-0292 or visit them online.