How to Choose A Caregiving Agency

A female caregiver shaking hands with a senior woman.

There are thousands of home care agencies in Southern California.  How do you navigate to find an agency you are comfortable with that will provide the best care?

To find the right fit for you or your loved one, there are certain questions that you should ask of any prospective agency, such as:

  1. Is the agency licensed?  As of July 1, 2015 all home care agencies are required to be licensed by the State and all of their employed caregivers are required to be registered by the State.  Each company has a license number and each caregiver has a State ID number.
  2. Are the caregiver W-2 Employees of the Agency?  This means the employees have taxes withheld, and are the legal responsibility of the agency.  Some companies are Registries and only "match" a caregiver and 1099 them, putting the full liability on you.
  3. Does the agency carry proper insurance?  Ask for a copy of the agency's proof of insurance.  They should have Liability, Workers' Compensation and Bonding insurance.
  4. What is the communication process between the caregiver and the agency staff?  Careful and continuous monitoring ensures that appropriate action can be taken to ensure the safety of the clients and identify any performance questions with the caregivers.

The decision to stay at home and look for help is an important one, and is often fraught with emotions.  Having a caregiver should help with the stress on the clients and the family members.  Hopefully this list of questions will remove some of the stress and provide you with some guidance on finding the right home care company and right caregiver.

For more tips and news follow us on Facebook

Personalized Care You Can Trust

See all services

Icon of a bath.

Bathing, Dressing & Grooming

Icon of a washing machine.

Laundry & Light Housekeeping

Icon of a cooking pot.

Cooking Nutritious Meals

Icon of a car.

Transportation to Appointments

Icon of a shopping cart.

Grocery Shopping & Errands

Icon of a hospital.

Hospital & Discharge

Icon of a toilet.

Incontinent Care

Icon of holding hands.

Companionship

Icon of medicine.

Medication Reminders

Icon of an injured person.

Respite Care

Icon of a smiley face.

Socializing & Activities

Icon of a medical appointment calendar.

Doctor's Appointments

Certificates and Awards

Honoree: Diane Mondini

  • 2019
  • Alzheimer's Orange County
    Visionary Women Awards Honoree, Lifetime Caregiver Award.
  • 2016
  • Philanthropy Partner
  • 2012
  • Visionary Women of the Year

Honoree: Diane Mondini

  • 2023
  • Oliver Halsell Care Award
  • 2017
  • AgeWell Recognition
    In appreciation for your Dedication and Commitment to Older Adults in Our Communities.
A carer applying ointment to an eldery woman's arm.

Latest News

County of Orange - Certificate of Recognition

Congratulations to our president, Diane Mondini, on the occasion of being honored by Age Well Senior Services at its 2017 signature event held at the Ritz Carlton on February 25th.

Read more

A carer providing a blanket to an elderly woman in a chair.

Articles

Questions About Senior Living

"I'm trying to decide if home care might be right for me. I am 80 years old and live alone. I'm worried that it might be too expensive..." - Mavis in Costa Mesa.

Read more

Client Reviews

Read All Reviews

An eldery woman drinking tea and looking at a photo album with a young carer.

There's no place like home

Learn how you can help older relatives stay in their homes.

Download Brochure

  • 2017 Best of Home Care - Provider of Choice.
  • Home Care Pulse Certified - Trusted Provider.
  • Women Entrepreneurs Orange County.
  • Philips Lifetime Medical Alert Service.
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • ALS Association.
  • Alzheimer's Orange County logo.
  • CAHSAH - Shaping the future of home care logo.
  • Home Care Association of America logo.
  • NAWBO logo.
  • American Veterans Care Connection logo.
  • Veterans Care coordination logo.
  • In the Know - a home care pulse company logo.
  • Women Presidents' organization logo.
  • Junior League of Orange County logo.
  • UCI Mind