Finding the right caregiver for your parent is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The wrong choice can mean stress, inconsistent care, and starting the search all over again. The right choice gives your family peace of mind.

Here are 10 questions every Edmonton family should ask when evaluating home care providers, whether you're looking at agencies or independent caregivers.

1. "Are you certified, and can I see your credentials?"

In Alberta, Home Care Aides (HCAs) should have completed a recognized Health Care Aide certificate program. This is a minimum of 1,000 hours of training covering:

Personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility)
Medication assistance
First aid and CPR
Infection control
Communication with seniors, including those with dementia

Ask to see: Their HCA certificate, current first aid/CPR certification, and any additional training (dementia care, palliative care, etc.)

Red flag: Anyone who says they're "experienced" but can't produce credentials. Experience matters, but training is the foundation.

2. "How long have you been providing care?"

Certification is the starting point. Experience is what makes a great caregiver. Ask about:

Total years of caregiving experience
Types of clients they've worked with (dementia, mobility challenges, post-surgery, etc.)
Whether they've worked independently or only through agencies

What to look for: At minimum, 2-3 years of direct caregiving experience. More is better, especially if your parent has specific conditions.

3. "Do you have a criminal record check?"

In Alberta, anyone providing care to vulnerable adults should have a current criminal record check (also called a police information check) that includes a vulnerable sector search.

Ask to see: A check dated within the last 12 months. Reputable providers will offer this without hesitation.

Red flag: Reluctance to provide this, or a check that's several years old.

4. "Will my parent see the same caregiver each visit?"

Consistency matters enormously in senior care. Your parent needs to build trust with their caregiver, and the caregiver needs to know your parent's preferences, routines, and health patterns.

Agencies: Often rotate staff based on availability. You may see a different face each visit, which can be distressing for seniors, especially those with cognitive decline.

Independent caregivers: You hire the person directly, so consistency is guaranteed unless they're unavailable due to illness or vacation.

Ask: "What happens when the regular caregiver is sick or on vacation? Is there a backup plan?"

5. "What services do you include, and what costs extra?"

Get a clear, written breakdown of:

Hourly rate and any minimum visit requirements
Exactly what's included in that rate
What falls outside the scope of care
Whether rates change for evenings, weekends, or holidays
Travel fees for service areas outside Edmonton proper

Watch for: Hidden fees for "administration," "intake," or "care planning." These are common with agencies and can add 10-20% to the quoted rate.

6. "Can I speak with references from current or past clients?"

Any provider worth hiring will have families willing to vouch for them. Ask for 2-3 references and actually call them.

Questions to ask references:

How long has the caregiver worked with your family?
Is the caregiver reliable and punctual?
How does the caregiver handle difficult situations?
Would you hire them again?
Has there ever been an issue? How was it resolved?

Red flag: No references available, or references that seem scripted.

7. "How do you handle emergencies?"

Your parent's caregiver should have a clear protocol for:

Medical emergencies (when to call 911 vs. when to call the family)
Falls (assessment, when to move the client, when not to)
Sudden changes in health status
Power outages or severe weather during a visit

Ask: "Walk me through what you would do if my parent fell during a visit."

A trained, experienced caregiver will answer this confidently and specifically.

8. "What is your cancellation and scheduling policy?"

Life happens. Understand the flexibility before you commit:

How much notice is required to cancel or reschedule a visit?
Are there cancellation fees?
Can you adjust the schedule week to week, or is it fixed?
What's the minimum commitment (contract length, hours per week)?

Best case: Flexible scheduling with reasonable cancellation terms (24-48 hours notice) and no long-term contracts.

9. "Do you carry liability insurance?"

If a caregiver is injured in your parent's home, or if property is damaged during a visit, insurance protects everyone.

Agencies typically carry liability insurance and workers' compensation.

Independent caregivers may or may not have personal liability insurance. This is worth asking about and factoring into your decision.

10. "Can we start with a trial period?"

Before committing to a long-term arrangement, a trial period lets everyone adjust:

Your parent can see if they're comfortable with the caregiver
The caregiver can assess whether they can meet your parent's needs
Your family can evaluate punctuality, communication, and care quality

Suggested trial: 2-4 weeks, with a check-in conversation at the end to discuss how it's going.

Quick Comparison: Agency vs. Independent Caregiver

| Factor | Agency | Independent | |--------|--------|-------------| | Cost | $45-60/hr | $35-40/hr | | Consistency | Varies (staff rotation) | Same person every visit | | Backup coverage | Usually available | Depends on provider | | Insurance | Included | Ask the provider | | Flexibility | Moderate | High | | Administrative overhead | They handle everything | You manage directly | | Personal relationship | Limited | Strong |

Our Approach at Adjo's Touch

We're happy to answer all 10 of these questions directly:

Certified: Adjo has been a certified HCA since 2015 with 11+ years of experience
Background check: Current and available
Consistency: Same caregiver (Adjo) every visit
Transparent pricing: $35-40/hr, no hidden fees, no contracts
References: Available on request
Trial period: Always. We want the fit to be right for your family

Ask us anything - book a free consultation

How to Choose a Home Care Provider in Edmonton: 10 Questions to Ask