How to Choose a Home Care Agency
An honest 8-point checklist for Colorado families. The questions to ask, the answers to expect, and the red flags that should stop you.
Choosing a home care agency is one of the most important decisions a family makes. You're trusting a stranger to enter your parent's home, help them with their most personal activities, and keep them safe when you can't be there. Most families don't know what to ask — and agencies don't always volunteer the uncomfortable answers.
Here are 8 areas to evaluate, specific questions to ask each agency, and the red flags that should make you walk away. We wrote this guide to be useful regardless of whether you choose Colorado CareAssist — but we'll tell you honestly how we answer each question.
The 8-Point Checklist
Licensing & Credentials
Questions to ask:
- Is the agency licensed by the State of Colorado? (Verify license number on the state website)
- Are they bonded and insured? What is the liability coverage amount?
- Are they accredited by the BBB or a national home care organization?
Background Checks & Screening
Questions to ask:
- What background checks do caregivers undergo? (Minimum: criminal, sex offender registry)
- Do they verify Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) registry?
- Do they conduct drug testing? Pre-employment only, or ongoing?
- Do they check driving records for caregivers who transport clients?
Caregiver Training & Qualifications
Questions to ask:
- What training do caregivers receive before entering a home?
- Is dementia care training provided to all caregivers, or only specialists?
- Do caregivers receive ongoing training or continuing education?
- Are caregivers employees (W-2) or contractors (1099)?
Pricing & Contracts
Questions to ask:
- What is the hourly rate? Is it the same for all services, or do specialized services cost more?
- Are there hidden fees — weekends, holidays, travel, assessments?
- Is a long-term contract required? What is the cancellation policy?
- Is there a minimum number of hours per visit or per week?
- How does billing work? Weekly, biweekly, monthly?
Caregiver Matching & Consistency
Questions to ask:
- How do you match caregivers to clients? (Skills, personality, schedule?)
- Will I have a consistent caregiver, or do caregivers rotate?
- Can I meet the caregiver before care begins?
- What happens if I'm not happy with the caregiver match?
- What happens when the regular caregiver is sick or unavailable?
Communication & Transparency
Questions to ask:
- How will I stay informed about my loved one's care?
- Is there a family portal or app for care notes and updates?
- Who do I call if there's a problem after hours?
- Can I speak directly with the owner or a senior manager?
Insurance & VA Benefits
Questions to ask:
- Do you accept long-term care insurance? Will you bill the insurance company directly?
- Are you a VA Community Care Network provider?
- Do you help families apply for VA Aid & Attendance or other benefits?
- Do you accept Medicaid? What waiver programs do you participate in?
Emergency Preparedness
Questions to ask:
- What is the protocol if a caregiver notices a health emergency?
- How quickly can backup care be arranged?
- Does the agency coordinate with hospitals for discharge planning?
- Are caregivers trained in fall prevention and emergency response?
How Colorado CareAssist Answers
We believe in radical transparency. Here are the short answers to the 8 areas above. If you want the full version, read our FAQ, Trust & Security page, or just call us.
Take the Next Step
Ask us these questions directly
Call (303) 757-1777 or (719) 428-3999. We'll answer every question honestly — even if you choose another agency.