Questions about fit and experience
Describe a normal day and ask how the caregiver would approach it. Request examples involving the same tasks, such as memory cueing, transfers, transportation, personal care, meal preparation, or overnight support.
- What experience do you have with these exact tasks?
- How do you respond when a client declines help?
- What would you report immediately to the family?
- How do you learn a person’s preferences and routines?
- Which requested tasks are outside your role or training?
Questions about screening and supervision
For an agency, ask who employs the caregiver, which checks are completed, how qualifications are verified, who supervises care, and how concerns are investigated. For a direct hire, the family must decide how it will complete those steps.
- Which background, reference, identity, driving, or credential checks are completed?
- Who observes or reviews caregiver performance?
- How can the client or family request a different match?
- What insurance applies to the caregiving arrangement?
- How are complaints documented and resolved?
Questions about schedule and backup
A care plan is only useful if shifts are covered. Ask what consistency is realistic, how far schedules are set, and who responds outside business hours.
- What are the minimum hours per visit and per week?
- What happens when the regular caregiver is sick or on vacation?
- How much notice is given before a substitute arrives?
- Can the schedule increase quickly after a fall or hospitalization?
- Who handles an urgent missed shift?
Questions about price and the written agreement
Request current pricing, premiums, fees, cancellation terms, rate-review policies, and payment timing in writing. Compare the same schedule and task list across providers.
- What is included in the quoted rate?
- Are evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, or mileage priced differently?
- How are schedule changes and cancellations handled?
- Which tasks and boundaries will appear in the care plan?
- How and when can either party end the arrangement?
Questions about communication and change
Agree on who receives updates, what is documented each visit, what triggers immediate contact, and how privacy will be protected. Set a formal review date rather than waiting for a problem.
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Your next-step checklist
- Use one written job and schedule description
- Ask the same core questions of every option
- Verify important claims rather than accepting broad assurances
- Read the full agreement before the first shift
- Confirm backup coverage and escalation contacts
- Schedule a review after the first two weeks
Important: This guide is general information and is not medical, legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Individual needs and rules vary. Contact the appropriate qualified professional for advice about a specific person or situation.