Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency Before Signing a Contract

Melinda Piechoski, RN · Director of Nursing · May 2026

Most families hiring a home care agency are doing it for the first time. The decision happens quickly, often during a health crisis, and it is easy to sign a contract without fully understanding what you are agreeing to. Asking the right questions before you sign protects your loved one and sets clear expectations for everyone involved.

This list covers the questions that matter most. Use it on any call with any agency, including A-Team. The right agency will welcome every one of them.

Why These Questions Matter Before You Sign

Home care contracts vary widely. Some agencies have strict cancellation policies, minimum hour requirements, or rate escalation clauses that families only discover after care begins. Some cannot tell you clearly who trains their caregivers or how they handle a caregiver calling out sick. Asking upfront prevents surprises later, when your loved one is already dependent on the service.

These questions apply whether you are exploring home care in Philadelphia, Bucks County home care, or anywhere else in the greater Philadelphia area.

Questions About Caregiver Qualifications and Screening

The caregiver who enters your loved one’s home is the most important variable in home care. Start here.

• What background checks do you run on caregivers? Ask specifically whether they check the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record, the Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI criminal background check. All three should be required for any caregiver working with a vulnerable adult.
• Are your caregivers employees or independent contractors? Employees are covered by the agency’s workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Independent contractors are not. If a contractor is injured in your home, liability questions become complicated.
• What initial training is required before a caregiver is placed? Ask for hours of training required and what it covers: personal care skills, dementia communication, fall prevention, medication reminders.
• Do caregivers receive ongoing training? Training at hire does not guarantee current competence. Annual continuing education should be standard.
• Who supervises caregivers in the field? Is there a Director of Nursing or clinical supervisor who conducts home visits and reviews care plans?

Questions About Care Coordination and Oversight

• Will we have a consistent caregiver, or will it rotate? Consistency matters significantly for dementia patients and those with behavioral conditions. Ask what the policy is and what happens if your regular caregiver calls out.
• How is the care plan developed, and how often is it updated? The care plan should reflect your loved one’s current needs, not a template completed at intake and never revisited.
• Does a nurse visit the home to assess care needs? A strong agency will conduct an in-home assessment before placing any caregiver. Our skilled nursing team is involved in care plan development for medically complex clients.
• Who is our point of contact for questions or concerns? You should have a name and direct number, not just a general office line.
• How does the agency communicate updates with family members? Ask about shift notes, care logs, and how urgent issues are escalated.

Questions About Contracts and Costs

• Is there a minimum number of hours per shift or per week? Many agencies require a minimum of three or four hours per visit. If you need two hours, that policy could double your cost.
• What is the rate, and does it change on weekends or holidays? Weekend and holiday rates are often higher. Get the full rate schedule in writing.
• How much notice is required to cancel or adjust services? A 24-hour or 48-hour cancellation policy is standard. Shorter notice may result in a charge.
• Are there contract lock-in periods? Month-to-month arrangements give families flexibility. Long-term contracts without exit clauses can be difficult if needs change.
• What insurance and funding sources do you accept? Ask specifically about Medicare, Medicaid, Community HealthChoices, long-term care insurance, and private pay rates.

Questions About What Happens When Problems Arise

• How do I report a concern about a caregiver? There should be a clear process, not just “call the office.” Ask who handles complaints and what the resolution timeline is.
• What happens if I am not satisfied with my assigned caregiver? A reputable agency will reassign without penalizing you for requesting a change.
• What is the agency’s policy if a caregiver does not show up? The agency should have a backup coverage plan, not leave your family scrambling.
• Are caregivers bonded and insured? Bonding protects against theft. Liability insurance protects against injuries or property damage. Both should be standard.
• Is the agency accredited? Accreditation by ACHC, Joint Commission, or a similar body means the agency has been audited against national quality standards.

What A-Team Home Care’s Answers Look Like

At A-Team, caregivers are W-2 employees covered by workers’ compensation and agency liability insurance. All three PA background clearances are required before placement. A Director of Nursing oversees care plans and conducts supervisory home visits. Our standard contract is month-to-month. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Community HealthChoices, most long-term care insurance, and private pay. We are ACHC-accredited.

If any agency you call cannot answer these questions clearly, that is your answer. Call us at (215) 490-9994 to go through your own list.