How to hire in-home care in California, step by step

1. Define the help needed

List daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, housekeeping, rides and company, plus the hours and days. Include the person in the conversation about what they want.

2. Shortlist agencies

Ask doctors, hospital discharge planners, friends and your local Area Agency on Aging for names. Then check each one.

3. Check the license and the registry

• Confirm the agency's Home Care Organization license with CDSS.
• Ask for the aide's registry details and look them up on the Home Care Aide Registry.

4. Ask questions

1. How do you train and supervise aides?
2. Are aides employees of the agency?
3. What happens if the aide is sick or does not arrive?
4. Can we meet the aide before service starts, and change aides if needed?
5. What is the hourly rate, and are there minimums or extra charges?
6. Who do we call after hours?

5. Agree a written care plan

The plan should list tasks, hours, preferences, emergency contacts and how changes are made.

6. Review after the first week

Check in with the senior and the aide, then adjust the plan. Review again after any hospital stay, fall or change in health.

Hiring an aide directly

If you hire an aide without an agency, you take on screening and possibly employer duties such as payroll taxes. Ask a tax professional before you start.

Track your progress with the hiring checklist.