12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Care Agency

Trusting someone to care for your loved one is a big decision. Asking the right questions up front helps you find an agency that's reliable, professional, and the right fit. Here are twelve to ask.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

In Maryland, in-home care agencies should be licensed as Residential Services Agencies (RSAs). Confirm licensing and insurance. (Complete Home Care is a licensed Maryland RSA, R4253R, and is insured.)

2. How do you screen and train caregivers?

Ask about background checks, training, and ongoing supervision. You want caregivers who are vetted and prepared.

3. How do you match caregivers to clients?

A good agency considers personality and needs, not just availability, when pairing a caregiver with your loved one.

4. What happens if a caregiver is sick or a poor fit?

Ask how quickly they can provide a replacement and how they handle a mismatch. Reliability matters.

5. Are services customizable?

Care should be built around your loved one's routine — not a rigid package.

6. What is the process for getting started?

Look for a clear, low-pressure process, ideally beginning with a free in-home assessment.

7. How is care supervised and adjusted over time?

Needs change. Ask how the agency monitors care and updates the plan.

8. What areas do you serve?

Confirm they cover your loved one's location reliably.

9. How is pricing structured?

Understand how billing works and what's included. (We discuss pricing during the free assessment, based on individual needs.)

10. What payment options do you accept?

Ask about Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and private pay.

11. Can you provide references or reviews?

Real feedback from other families is reassuring.

12. How do you communicate with families?

You'll want regular updates and an easy way to reach someone.

A trustworthy starting point

If you'd like straightforward answers to all of these, call Complete Home Care at 410-343-4353. We're happy to walk you through how we work.