Just a warning, at least relevant to OH. I found a co. with good references from people I respected on line. Then learned that private hire companies are not required to do BCI (bureau of Criminal Invest) checks. The owner assured me she would "pull one". Owner also told me her great people were state tested nursing assistants (STNA). Initially I was not given aide's last name. Today she provided it. She also said the background check revealed an episode where the aide shared an apt with a sibling, there was property damage, charges, and she took the rap for her sister which was a fine and community service. Today I did a free check re the STNA license and found she was NOT an STNA. And while trying to confirm the details of the other charges, I happened to discover that just in one suburban city alone over the past 9-10 years she had multiple repeat offenses (10!) for things such as speeding, improper display of license plates, not wearing a seat belt, not having license on her (I believe that's what it was). It's also not clear to me if her own insurance would cover an accident or the company's if mom were out with her for an activity. I would never hire her for my workplace, I would never get into a car with her, so I for sure would not let my mother in the car with her. I also would have preferred the owner to say "oops, this aide is NOT an STNA. SO here are my conditions if I give her another opportunity: 1. A BCI and driver's abstract within the last 6 months; 2. First AND last name; 3. Proof of insurance; 4. Proof of training/documentation via an email or a hard copy NOT on a phone where it is harder to read the details. I decided not to have the aide come to be in the house even one time because mom would have to get used to another person, and I would have to re-explain it all about cleaning what and where. For the owner who claimed to be so responsive to communications, it has been 6 or so hours since she was notified of the cancellation and still has not responded. I think I was generous in offering to give someone else a try...
I was also given the Hep B series, as were the nurses, our local fireman/EMTs and our Police. So, I might question that they are up on an preventative shots and tests.
Insurance companies have all kinds of clauses that release them from liability, always a good idea to request a certificate of insurance and have your trusted agent or broker verify you aren't in for a fight if something happens.
"Candidates are trained and tested and their credentials are maintained by Ohio Department of Health’s Nurse Aide Registry. You will be required to submit to a background check as part of the application process and a renewal of your credentials every twenty-four months. Convictions for DUI are not an automatic bar, but it is within the nursing board’s discretion to deny a license to anyone they feel is not of good moral character."
Since you have been lied to by this agency, I would not continue with them. I would actually report them for the lie. They should be well aware who is certified. I would have also asked if employees are given surprise drug testing. Also, that they have a valid drivers license. I would call your insurance company to see if the Aide would be covered to drive ur car.
Really, you did your homework. All these agencies should have to bond their employees. These are strangers coming into your house.
Also, with hiring privately, you and the caregiver would need to have an employment contract so the caregiver would know what is expected of her, how many hours per work she will be required to work, what days she would have off, and if she will take care of her own Social Security/Medicare taxes... or if you would be required to do that. I would also recommend what is called an "umbrella" policy which will cover up to $1M in case something serious happens within the home or on the property.
And do not forget the flu shot. The caregiver should be able to produce paperwork as to when and where she had received her flu shot.
Different states, different rules, but something that should be asked of the insurance agent or broker. Just a heads up.