5 Questions Every Family Should Ask Before Hiring an In-Home Caregiver
I've received thousands of calls from families at the beginning of this journey. They're usually a mix of overwhelmed and hopeful — hoping to find the right answer, not always sure what questions to ask.
So after 25 years in this industry, here are the five questions I'd want my own family to ask before hiring anyone.
1. Are your caregivers employees or independent contractors?
This matters more than most families realize. When a caregiver is a contractor, the agency has limited legal accountability for their conduct, consistency, or training. At Sheridan Care, every caregiver is a W-2 employee — bonded, insured, and our direct responsibility. If something goes wrong, we answer for it.
Ask this question of every agency you speak with. The answer will tell you a lot.
2. What does your screening process actually involve?
"Background check" can mean almost anything. At Sheridan Care, it means criminal history, DMV records, professional references — and a personal interview process designed to assess not just competence, but character. We only employ caregivers we would trust with our own family members. That's not a tagline. It's a hiring standard.
3. What happens if my caregiver is sick or unavailable?
Continuity matters enormously to seniors. A string of unfamiliar faces is disorienting and distressing. Ask any agency how they handle absences, backfills, and scheduling changes — and how much notice they provide.
Sheridan Care operates 24/7, and we manage transitions proactively, not reactively. Families should never be scrambling.
4. How do you support the senior's nutritional needs?
Most agencies have no answer to this question. And that's a problem — because senior malnutrition is one of the most overlooked contributors to decline. At Sheridan Care, our caregivers are trained in nutritional observation and we have integrated SiP — our clean, plant-based nutritional beverage — into our care model to address protein and immune support specifically for aging adults.
If an agency you're considering has never thought about this, ask them why.
5. Can I speak with families you've cared for?
Testimonials on a website are one thing. A real conversation with a real family is another. Any agency worth trusting should be able to connect you with families who are willing to share their experience. We do this regularly at Sheridan Care, and we're proud of what those conversations sound like.
"The right caregiver doesn't just help your parent stay safe. They become part of your family. Make sure you're choosing one worthy of that role."
If you have more questions, I encourage you to call us directly. A conversation costs nothing, and we'll always give you an honest answer — even if that means recommending someone else.
But if you're looking for in-home care in Greater Los Angeles, the Desert Cities, or Temecula that meets the standard I've just described — I believe you've already found it.
With love,
Susan Dost
Founder & CEO, Sheridan Care + SiP (Super Immune Protein)