In this guide
Start with two questions
Are the caregivers employees or independent contractors? And who is liable if something goes wrong in the home? Agencies that hire W-2 employees carry workers compensation and general liability insurance, handle payroll taxes, and can supervise and train caregivers directly. Agencies that use contractors push those responsibilities onto the family.
Screening questions to ask
What is your screening process? How often are caregivers re-screened? What background checks do you run? Do your caregivers hold Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Cards? Are they CPR and First Aid certified? How do you verify references? What happens if a caregiver is not a good fit for our family?
Scheduling and consistency questions
Ask how the agency handles schedule changes, caregiver illness, vacation coverage, and last-minute cancellations. Ask what happens if your primary caregiver is unavailable for a shift. Consistency is one of the most important predictors of a successful home care relationship, especially for clients with dementia.
What to verify before signing
Verify general liability insurance. Verify workers compensation coverage. If the agency employs caregivers directly, request proof of both. If the agency claims any licenses or certifications, ask for documentation. Verify that caregivers carry Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Cards, which are required for anyone working with a vulnerable adult.
Red flags
Cash-only arrangements. Unwillingness to put terms in writing. No written care plan. No screening documentation. Vague answers about insurance or background checks. Caregivers listed as independent contractors while the agency also dictates their schedule (a tax and liability issue). Testimonials that feel templated or lack any local detail. A phone number that rings an answering service every time you call.
The first week test
Most good agencies treat the first week like an introduction, not a commitment. Use it that way. Ask the caregiver questions. Watch how they interact with your loved one. If the fit is wrong, say so early. Wellby will replace a caregiver who is not the right match, no penalty and no awkward negotiation.
Common questions
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and, if the agency employs caregivers directly, workers compensation coverage. Any legitimate agency will provide these on request. Wellby carries both.
No. Non-medical home care does not require Arizona Department of Health Services licensure, which is reserved for medical home health agencies. Individual caregivers working with vulnerable adults are required to hold an Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Employee caregivers are hired, trained, paid, and supervised by the agency. The agency carries payroll taxes, workers compensation, and general liability. Contractor caregivers are self-employed; the family effectively becomes the employer in many legal respects. Wellby caregivers are W-2 employees of Wellby, Inc.