Finding the right in home care helps you or a loved one stay safe, confident, and independent. This guide summarizes practical steps that align with national guidance from aging and consumer agencies. Use it as a checklist you can print and share with family.

Know What You Need

Start by writing a simple list of needs. Daily tasks such as meals, bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, rides, and companionship. Clinical needs such as medication reminders, wound care, therapy, or skilled nursing. Knowing the difference between non medical home care and Medicare certified home health helps you choose the right type of provider.

Find Reputable Options

Ask your doctor or discharge planner for referrals. Use government and nonprofit tools to locate services near you. Eldercare Locator connects you to local aging agencies that can point you to vetted services. Medicare Care Compare lists Medicare-certified home health agencies with quality star ratings and patient experience scores. However, be aware that when scores start to fall, many providers change their plan name to reset themselves to a new 4-star rating.

Silver Streak Senior Services website is another helpful resource. Listings show a verified badge when background checks and license checks are on file. Look for the verified badge and the Silver Streak logo to quickly identify fully vetted providers. You can also read real reviews from seniors not paid actors. And providers are not allowed to “game” the system for higher ratings. 

Compare an Agency with Hiring Independently

Agencies recruit, vet, insure, and schedule caregivers. They provide supervision and backups if someone calls out. Hiring an independent caregiver can cost less but you become the employer. That means you should handle background checks, references, tax reporting, payroll, and coverage if the caregiver is sick or on vacation. Choose the path that matches your time, skills, and risk tolerance.

This is where Silver Streak Senior Services is a big help to seniors, caregivers, and local independent businesses. They verify references. Licenses and background checks for you, so you can rest easy about hiring local help and not break the bank.

Check Credentials and Screening

Ask what background checks are performed. Look for criminal checks and abuse registry checks at a minimum. Confirm work eligibility and ask for at least two recent references. Ask about certifications such as CNA or HHA and training in dementia care, transfers, bathing, and infection control. For home health, confirm the agency is Medicare certified and ask who supervises the case such as an RN.  Texas runs the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR), a public database of individuals with confirmed abuse/neglect/exploitation in certain long-term-care settings; facilities are required to check it. Texas also maintains a Nurse Aide Registry that records abuse/neglect findings.

Interview with a Clear Checklist

Meet candidates with the person receiving care when possible. Share a written description of tasks, schedule, pets in the home, and any preferences. Ask about experience with similar needs, comfort with bathing and mobility help, and how they handle emergencies. Discuss transportation, driving record, and car insurance if rides are requested.

Review the Care Plan and Supervision

Ask who writes the care plan and how often it is reviewed. Clarify who you contact if something changes. Request routine updates by text or a shared notebook. Ask how the agency trains staff and how often a nurse or supervisor visits.

Understand Contracts, Costs, and Coverage

Ask for a written agreement. Confirm the hourly rate, minimum hours, overtime, holiday rates, cancellation rules, and travel fees. Ask what is included in the base price and what counts as an add on task. For Medicare certified home health, ask what services are covered and for how long. For non medical care, ask about private pay, long term care insurance, and any veteran benefits.

Protect Safety and Privacy

Do not share PINs, one time passcodes, or online banking credentials. Keep checkbooks and valuables in a safe place. Use a locked box for medications if needed. Set clear rules for phone use, social media, and photos in the home.

Start with a Trial and Monitor Quality

Schedule a trial shift to confirm fit. Be present at the start, then step out to observe how the caregiver and client interact. Give direct feedback. If something does not feel right, speak up early. Ask the agency how they handle replacements.

Watch for Red Flags

Caregiver asks for cash advances or access to credit cards. Frequent lateness or missed tasks. Poor hygiene or unsafe lifting. Reluctance to communicate with family or the agency. Disrespectful behavior. End the relationship if trust is broken.

The right caregiver brings safety, dignity, and peace of mind. Take your time, use trusted tools, and keep communication open.

Article written by Sherri Combs, CEO and Founder of Silver Streak Senior Services