How to Find High-Quality Home Care for Your Loved One

Caring for an aging parent, spouse, or family member doesn't have to fall entirely on your shoulders. Home care can bridge the gap if your loved one needs help but isn't ready for a nursing facility.

Home care workers help with daily tasks: eating, bathing, dressing, moving around the house. Depending on the level of care, they may also check vital signs and give medication.

These services let your loved one stay at home while getting the support they need. Here are ten practical tips for finding the right home care fit.

1. Search for home care companies in your area.

Start by finding what's available nearby. Use the "Home Care" tab on this website to search local companies—we list contact information and websites for services across the country. You can also ask friends and family who've hired home care what they used and whether they'd recommend it.

Their firsthand experience, combined with your online search, will give you a working list to evaluate.

2. Read about each company's history and values.

Check how long each company has been in business and what they say about their approach to care. A long track record matters less than whether they seem trustworthy to families in your community. Look at their website to see if they clearly explain how they'll care for your loved one.

3. Find out what qualifications their staff members have.

At minimum, home care workers should be CPR certified and hold a state-certified nursing assistant (STNA) license. Ask whether the company conducts background checks before hiring. This is non-negotiable.

4. Find out what services the home care company offers.

Some companies provide medical care—nursing visits, medication management, wound care, diabetes management. Others focus on daily living assistance—bathing, grooming, mobility help. Many offer both, at different price points.

Ask what services each company provides and whether they can scale up as your loved one's needs change. That way you won't have to switch providers later.

5. Check for 24/7 availability.

Know what hours your loved one will need care and confirm the company can provide it. Some offer overnight stays. Make sure whatever you choose actually covers the times you need it.

6. Read customer reviews.

Read both five-star and one-star reviews, not just the overall rating. One bad review doesn't mean much, but a pattern of recent complaints is worth taking seriously. If most negative reviews are older than a year, the company may have fixed those problems.

7. Talk in depth with people in your area who have used home care.

After narrowing your list, contact people you know who've actually hired from those companies. Ask about their experience: Was the company flexible? Were there any major issues? What were the workers like?

They may mention things you won't find online—problems with billing, a caregiver's manner, reliability. These details matter.

8. Create a care plan.

A care plan spells out how much help your loved one needs and when. It should cover day-to-day care, family involvement, and what happens if their health declines. The home care company can help you develop this, or you can build it yourself.

Decide whether your loved one needs daily visits or just a few times a week. If they live alone, daily care may give you peace of mind. If they live with you and you work, part-time care might be enough.

9. Evaluate the cost of services.

Home care costs less than 24/7 nursing home care and lets your loved one stay home. Ask for clear pricing and a plan that fits your budget.

10. Find out what insurance and Medicaid cover.

Contact your loved one's insurance to see what home care costs they'll cover. It may be significant. You need to know this before finalizing your budget.

Medicaid covers in-home care in all 50 states. Since home care is cheaper than facility care, states often help cover the cost.

Medicaid pays for care from licensed providers and, in many states, allows you to hire and pay a family member—sometimes a spouse or adult child—as the caregiver.

For details on what your state covers, see our Medicaid guide.

Conclusion

Finding a home care provider takes time. The ten steps above will help you narrow down options and create a realistic plan for your loved one's care.

If you're still deciding whether in-home care is right for your family, we have other resources that explain the benefits and help you compare options.