How to choose a home care agency in California

Step 1: confirm it is licensed

California requires Home Care Organizations to be licensed by the Department of Social Services, and the caregivers they employ to be on the state’s Home Care Aide Registry. The Department suggests two questions: what is your Home Care Organization license number, and what are the aide’s registration ID and name, so the family can search the registry.¹ See how to check a California home care license.

Step 2: get rates in writing

Ask for the rate by level of care, the minimum hours per visit and per week, and rates for nights, weekends and holidays, with the date. See how much home care costs in Los Angeles.

Step 3: ask about the caregivers

• Is the staff trained in dementia care or experienced with someone who has dementia?³
• How are credentials and background checks verified?³
• How is the care plan made and reviewed with the family?³
• What happens if the caregiver is sick or on vacation?³
• Can the agency meet the family at home first?³

Step 4: check references

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends asking for at least three references, contacting the families and asking about their experience.³

Step 5: know what you are buying

• A licensed agency accepts the employer responsibilities for its caregivers, including workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and payroll taxes. If you hire privately, you become the employer.¹ See agency versus private caregiver.
• Ask whether you are speaking to the agency or to a referral service. A Place for Mom says it is paid by home care agencies each time it refers a family, and Caring.com says some providers pay it a referral fee when a family hires them.⁵⁶

Free help in Los Angeles County

The county’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection offers information and referral and options counseling. Dial 211, or call the Information and Assistance line at 1-800-510-2020.⁴