Tips for Finding Reliable Home Care Assistance
 in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties

In-Home Care Checklist: Questions to ask potential providers

These home healthcare tips and checklist provided by Bayshore Home Care will help you make an informed decision by ensuring that you have asked the right questions and received information about all of the issues and responsibilities related to finding an appropriate agency to provide care for an elderly, frail or disabled person wishing to remain in their home. Private duty care is provided by agencies who work directly with families and the families pay a fee for the services provided.

See Bayshore Home Care’s checklist responses below.

Agency Questions

What are the credentials and experience of the staff who perform the screening, assignment and oversight of caregivers?

Skilled nurses (RNs and LPNs) design care plans, conduct assessments, and oversee caregivers.

Are they fully insured?

Yes, Bayshore holds liability insurance for all caregivers and nurses.

Employment Questions

Who employs the caregiver?

Caregivers are employees of Bayshore, not independent contractors.

Do they also use independent contractors? If so, who employs the person and pays mandated taxes and withholdings in this case? How do they differentiate between the employees and the independent contractors?

Bayshore does not employ caregivers to be independent contractors. The client does not pay the caregiver directly. Bayshore pays all taxes and withholdings.

Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees/personnel they use to staff in homes?

Yes, references are checked, drug screens are conducted and all caregivers undergo a level two FBI background check.

How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment?

Caregivers are chosen for assignments based on availability, and any specific skill sets requested by the client such as exemplary cooking skills etc.

How are emergencies handled after normal business hours?

Bayshore’s nurses remain on-call 24/7. Our trained on-call coordinator communicates with our nursing staff and emergency personnel in the event of a crisis.

How often are services monitored?

Monitoring of our patients and caregivers is our top priority. Our nurses make unannounced visits to homes to monitor care and phone call follow up is routinely completed to ensure client satisfaction. In addition, management staff review client charts on a continued basis.

Does the agency employ a full-time nurse, social worker or other qualified professional to make regular visits to the client’s home?

Yes, Bayshore employs skilled nurses to ensure thorough oversight of caregivers and clients.

Are you required to sign a contract for services?

Bayshore requires a Guarantee of Payment and consent form to be signed. Each client is required to utilize Bayshore’s services for a minimum of 12 hours per week and 4 hours per shift to remain at an active status. Clients are subject to a re-activation fee if they fall below this minimum.

Are costs estimated up front?

Yes, a Bayshore nurse will discuss pricing up front and does not negotiate prices to ensure care is never compromised.

As an additional criteria, check out the agency locator at www.NAHC.com to see if the agency is associated with a professional organization that provide ongoing education and best practices for its members.

Services Questions

Is there a care professional who, along with the client and family, develops an individualized plan of care?

Bayshore employs highly trained nurses to preform a thorough assessment and custom care plan development. Our nurses develop the care plan by listening to the needs of the client and/or family members.

What Others Are Saying About Bayshore Home Care

  • “GREAT provider of Home Health Care with dedicated and thoughtful team members in all areas of service. Their company comprises the best of the best in responsible and caring professionals!" E.N.”

    Senior Living Community

    Executive Director

  • “This company takes superior care of their clients! Would highly recommend!" L.S.”

    Senior Living Community

    Executive Director

  • “So thankful for this company!" H.H.”

    Senior Living Community

    Executive Director

  • “They never disappoint me...if I need someone last minute..they always come through...”

  • “90% of home health aides are good to excellent!" A.Y.”

  • “For dependable and affordable medical attention at home, you can take my advice and call Bayshore Home Care, the company that has helped me quite a few times with its great services. I would recommend this company to all my friends for such emergency requirements." J.P.”

  • “Wonderful company! They treat their patients like family." J.M”

  • My husband and I took a trip to New York recently and we would be away from my mother at home. I was nervous about having someone in my home 24/7 but your caregivers did a fabulous job. The scheduling department made me feel so confident about making a trip ...

  • I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything that Bayshore is doing for my mother.  You folks are going above and beyond!  - Sarah  

  • I wanted to follow up with gratitude for all of the help and coverage that you provided for us this winter.  It was amazing & helped both my folks & the family so very much. It also provided for peace of mind. We wish we had your services here in ...

  • I came to town to visit my mother and I have found everything to be going just perfect! Thank you. – Florence

  • We are blessed to have you as an agency that that truly cares about our Veterans and goes above and beyond. - Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Nurse

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