10-Point Due Diligence Checklist
Corelia Health Care
1-844-826-7354
info@coreliahealth.com
www.coreliahealth.com
The 10 Things to Check Before Hiring a Caregiver
Inviting a caregiver into your loved one's home is a monumental decision. It requires immense trust, rigorous vetting, and absolute transparency. Do not compromise. Use this checklist when interviewing any home-care agency or independent PSW in Ontario or Alberta to ensure clinical safety and peace of mind.
1. Verification of Clinical Credentials (PSWs / RNs)
Ask for physical proof of their Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate or active CNO (College of Nurses) registration. Do not rely on verbal confirmation.
2. Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS)
Ensure the agency requires mandatory police checks specifically clearing them to work with vulnerable seniors. The check should be strictly within the last 12 months.
3. WSIB & Corporate Liability Insurance coverage
If an independent caregiver gets injured in your home, you could be successfully sued. Confirm the agency holds comprehensive liability insurance and WSIB clearance.
4. Transparent Billing and "Hidden Fees" Audit
Request a formalized rate sheet. Ask specifically if they charge extra for weekend shifts, statutory holidays, or travel mileage. Understand the baseline vs. variable costs.
5. Automated Shift Replacement Guarantees
Caregivers get sick. Ask the agency: "What is your exact written protocol if our scheduled caregiver calls in sick at 6 AM?" Do they guarantee a replacement, or are you left alone?
6. Clinical Care Plan Design & Iteration
Care is not generic. Demand an initial in-home assessment by a Care Coordinator to draft a rigorous, tailored "Care Plan" before any services begin.
7. Daily Logs and Family Transparency
How will you know what happened during a 6-hour shift? Ensure they provide digital or physical "ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Logs" documenting meals, vitals, and moods.
8. Medication Reminders & Administration Control
PSWs can remind, but strictly Licensed Nurses can administer. Verify the agency strictly adheres to medical boundaries regarding the sorting and dispensing of narcotics and prescriptions.
9. Contract Cancellation Policies
Some agencies lock families into 6-month ironclad contracts. Verify if you can cancel or pause services within 24-48 hours without massive penalty fees.
10. Compatibility Matching & "Chemistry" Tryouts
Your loved one must feel safe. Ask the agency if they allow complimentary "Meet & Greets" and if you have the absolute authority to request a different caregiver without friction.