A home care agency or home care organization (sometimes called companion care) provides non-medical services, with the intent of helping an older adult live at home independently. Home care agencies provide a wide variety of services. Most provide telephone calls for safety checks, laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and general housekeeping. They can also assist with personal care such as bathing, toileting, personal grooming, and dressing.  Some home care agencies provide transportation. Home care aides can assist older adults with self-administered medications. Some home care agencies provide memory care, and help with exercise.

Home Care Agencies and the Law

California law requires home care agencies to maintain liability insurance, to ensure their home care aides pass an extensive Department of Justice back ground check, and register with the state. This law protects frail and vulnerable older adults who often depend on their home care aides in order to continue living independently. Using an unlicensed home care agency often means the care aides have not been fingerprinted, received proper training, or health screenings.

There are over 30 home care agencies in Fresno.  Some Fresno home care agencies also serve Madera county and parts of Kern county.

Questions to ask a home care agency

Not all home care agencies are alike. It is important to figure out if your loved one’s needs can be met by the agency.  Agencies should conduct a free screening assessment.  During the screening they should determines the type of care needed, and how often and for how long the agency will provide services.  Prices for services may vary depending on the level of care needed.

  1. What type of assessment will be conducted to determine level of need?
  2. What type of training do the home care aides receive?
  3. How are minor issues, complaints, and suggestions handled?
  4. Can a different home care aide be assigned if personalities do not match?
  5. How many home care aides will be assigned to my loved one?
  6. Does the home care agency offer any special programs, like exercise, if needed?
  7. How does the agency handle emergencies? This could include needing to stay longer unexpectedly, or trips to an emergency room.

The Community Care Licensing Division of the Department of Social Services maintains a public record of home care aides who are licensed.