Do you remember the countless hours you spent looking for the right daycare provider or babysitter to watch over your child before returning to work? In the end, the interviews and references gave you peace of mind that you were leaving your child in the right hands.

That same level of trust needs to be there when bringing someone into the home of your aging parent. With more people living well into their 80s and 90s, the need to help mom or dad live at home independently and safely becomes critical. Meritus Home Health, the Washington County Commission on Aging, and the Department of Social Services understand your concern. That is why the three organizations are joining forces to help the community understand the importance of hiring and monitoring reputable, caring, and professional health and home assistance providers.

Before you decide who will remind mom to take her medication or help dad walk to the mailbox, let us help you make an educated choice. Read on for the top twelve interview questions for professional elder care services.

12 Questions to Ask When Engaging Paid Help For Your Loved One From an Agency or a Private Individual

1. Is the agency licensed by the State of Maryland as a "Home Health Agency" or as a "Residential Services Agency"? Is the agency accredited by the Joint Commission?

2. Are the agency's staff currently licensed by the State of Maryland?
(If you are considering hiring a private individual, the person's name can be checked on the internet at http://www.mbon.org. Look along the left-hand column, click on "Look Up a Licensee" for RN/LPN or click on "Nursing Assistant Certification" for an Aide. Also, you can click on "Complaints" to file a complaint or click on "Discipline" to see any alerts the Board has sent about specific staff.)

3. Are the agency's staff CPR-certified?
(If considering a private individual, ask when does his or her certification expire)

4. Does the agency perform criminal background checks on all the staff?

5. Can each staff member provide three references from within the past three years, including name, address and telephone number of each reference? (If considering hiring a private individual, ask for references)

6. Are the agency's staff covered by a Worker's Comp policy?
(If considering hiring a private individual, ask have they purchased an insurance policy)

7. What is the organization's policy for payment of payroll taxes and Social Security taxes?
(If considering hiring a private individual, ask if they have a valid Social Security number)

8. What is the organization's policy for sick leave and backup care in the event the staff member is unable to come to work?
(If considering hiring a private individual, discuss whether they have any back-up and whether you would accept a substitute)

9. Can the agency provide a certificate of liability insurance indemnifying the patient from liability in the event of an incident on the property where the employee will be caring for your loved one?
(If considering hiring a private individual, ask if they can provide proof of insurance to you)

10. May you observe the staff in the course of their work with your family member?
Will anyone from the agency be performing ongoing supervision visits with the staff?

11. Is there a minimum number of hours required per week, and is there a penalty if this number of hours is not met?
(If considering hiring a private individual, ask if you will be charged for any visits that you cancel)

12. Does the agency provide a written financial estimate of the cost for the services, and will you receive a written monthly bill?
(If considering hiring a private individual, ask for written estimates and monthly bills)