Selecting a home care service for your elderly or disabled loved one can be an overwhelming task.  With so many choices, how can you be sure that the company you've chosen is the right one?  Making the right decision requires time, patience and homework.  That's why it's important to know what questions to ask.

• Will the caregiver be an employee of the home care service?  The best home care providers avoid subcontracted help.  They send their own employees.

• Is the company licensed by the State of Tennessee?  All the reputable home care firms have state licenses.  Ask to see the state license.

• Do you drug test your employees?  Protect your loved one.  Only companies that require pre-employment drug testing and conduct random drug testing can make the drug-free guarantee.

• Does the company carry Workers" Compensation coverage?  If your home care provider doesn't have Workers' Compensation coverage, you could be liable for injuries the caregiver sustains while caring for your loved one.  Ask to see their certificate of coverage.

• Is the company insured and bonded?  The most reputable home care firms are all licensed, insured, and bonded.  Ask for proof in writing.

• Does your agency do background checks on caregivers?  Top home care providers hire only those who successfully pass a ten-year criminal background review, reference check, credit check, abuse registry check and TB test.  Checking background through the sheriff's office simply isn't enough.

• Does your company offer 24-hour service?  Ask about weekend, holiday and emergency coverage.  Top providers always have a caregiver on call.

• What training do caregivers have?  The best home care companies do more than just send a "sitter."  Look for companies who offer several levels of non-medical service such as Companions, Lifestyle Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Certified Nursing Technicians (CNT).

• Who performs the in-home assessment?  Trained medical personnel - such as RN's - are best equipped to complete needs assessments.

• Is your company locally-owned or is it a franchise? Look for locally-owned companies whose owners have deep roots in the community.