Guide

12 questions to ask a home care agency before you sign

Glossy websites look the same, including ours. These questions show how an agency actually runs, and you can check some of the answers yourself.

Published by Aster Care LLC · Last updated November 1, 2026 · Sources listed below

The short answer

Ask for the agency's Florida license number and check it on FloridaHealthFinder. Then ask whether caregivers are employees, whether everyone passes Level 2 screening, what happens when a caregiver does not show up, how often a nurse visits, and what you pay in writing. A good agency answers plainly and is glad you asked.

Licensing and people

  1. What is your AHCA license number? Florida requires a license. Look it up on FloridaHealthFinder.
  2. Are caregivers employees or contractors? Ask who handles their taxes, insurance and supervision.
  3. Has everyone passed Level 2 background screening? Florida law requires it, with rescreening every five years.
  4. What training do they get for my situation? Dementia, lifts, feeding tubes.

When things go wrong

  1. What happens when a caregiver calls out? Ask how much notice you will get, and who calls you.
  2. How many of my hours can you staff now? Not "how many can you staff in general".
  3. Who do I call at 9 p.m. on a Sunday? Try the number.
  4. How do you handle a poor match?

Clinical oversight

  1. Will a nurse visit, and how often? Ask to see a sample plan of care.
  2. What can your aides not do? Companions and homemakers cannot give hands-on care under Florida law. A clear answer is a good sign.

Money and paperwork

  1. What is the rate, minimum and notice to stop? Florida requires a written agreement stating services and charges.
  2. Which payers can you accept for me? Medicaid plan name, waiver, VA, insurance.

Red flags

  • No license number offered, or a name that is not found.
  • Promises that they can get you onto Medicaid or skip a waiting list.
  • No nurse involved when hands-on care is needed.
  • Pressure to sign today.

To report a concern about an agency, AHCA's complaint line is 1-888-419-3456.

Questions families ask

How can I check an agency for complaints?

FloridaHealthFinder lets you search agencies by name. If you have a complaint, call AHCA at 1-888-419-3456.

What is the difference between an agency and a registry?

A nurse registry refers independent contractors, while a home health agency usually employs its staff. Ask which you are dealing with, because it changes who is responsible.