The 14 questions to ask every Houston home care agency.
Most agencies sound identical on the phone. These fourteen questions reveal the difference, in hiring, supervision, billing, and who's accountable when it matters. Ask them of everyone you call, including us.
Want the printable checklist?
We'll email you a clean, one-page PDF you can bring to every call. The full list is on this page too.
Who supervises the care, a nurse, or just a scheduler?
RN-led plans catch changes early. A scheduler can only fill shifts.
Who matches my caregiver to my parent, and have they met both?
A care manager who knows both sides matches far better than sight-unseen assignment.
Are caregivers your W-2 employees or 1099 contractors?
W-2 employees are trained, insured, and accountable to the agency. Contractors often aren't.
How many years of experience does the average caregiver have?
Career caregivers (10+ years) handle complex situations far better than high-turnover hires.
What ongoing training do caregivers receive?
Care needs change. Basic orientation isn't enough for dementia, mobility, or end-of-life care.
What is your hiring process, and what share of applicants do you hire?
A multi-layer process that hires the top 5% is a different standard than one interview.
Do you run full background checks and drug tests?
State-minimum checks miss a lot. Full screening protects the person you love.
If my caregiver is sick, how fast can you send a replacement?
An agency with 100+ caregivers can cover same-day. A small one may leave you stranded.
Who answers the phone at 2 a.m., a real care team or a call center?
After-hours accountability matters most in a crisis. Voicemail isn't care.
Is there a long-term contract or minimum commitment?
Good agencies earn your business week to week. Long minimums protect them, not you.
Do you bill my long-term care insurance directly?
Direct billing means no upfront cost and no waiting on reimbursement.
If an injury happens during care, who is liable?
A fully insured agency carries the liability. With a private hire, the family usually does.
What is your record with the state licensing board?
A spotless audit history with zero complaints tells you how they operate every day.
When something goes wrong, who exactly do I call?
You want a care manager and owner you can reach directly, not a corporate queue.
Ask us the hard ones first.
Talk to a Care Manager, not a sales line. We'll answer every question on this list, honestly.