Care Guides

Guide

First-Time Home Care Checklist

A step-by-step list for families exploring home care for the first time: what to think about, what to gather, and what to ask.

Before the first conversation

• Who needs support, and who will be the main contact?
• Which daily tasks are difficult right now (for example bathing, meals, housework, getting out)?
• What does the person still enjoy doing independently?
• Which days and times would support help most?
• Is support needed soon, or are you planning ahead?
• Where will care take place (city or ZIP code)?

Information to gather

• A short description of a typical day and routines that matter
• Names and phone numbers of family members or others to keep informed
• A list of current medications, for reference only (home care caregivers give reminders, not medical care)
• Any instructions from doctors or a hospital that affect daily routines
• How the caregiver will get into the home (keys, lockbox, or someone at home)

Questions to ask the agency

• How are caregivers screened and trained?
• How is a caregiver matched to the person, and what happens if the match is not right?
• What happens if the regular caregiver is unavailable?
• How are costs discussed, and what is included in the arrangement?
• Who do we contact with questions, changes, or concerns?

Preparing for the first visit

• Write down the routine you would like the caregiver to follow
• Clear walkways and make sure entrances are well lit
• Show where cleaning supplies, linens, and kitchen items are kept
• Agree how and when you would like updates

After care begins

• Share feedback early: what is working and what is not
• Tell the coordinator about changes in health, routine, or schedule
• Ask for a review if needs change

Prepared by Frontline Aide from the information on our website about how non-medical home care is arranged. This guide is general information to help you plan. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. For health questions, speak with the person's own doctor or care team. Last reviewed October 13, 2026.

Guide

What to Ask Before Hiring a Caregiver

Practical questions to ask any home care agency or caregiver, so you can compare options and know what to expect.

Licensing and accountability

• Is the agency licensed in Washington? Ask for the license number and check it with the Washington State Department of Health.
• Is the agency bonded and insured?
• How does the agency handle concerns or complaints?

Caregivers

• How are caregivers screened before they are hired?
• What training do caregivers receive, and is ongoing training provided?
• Who employs and supervises the caregiver?

Matching and continuity

• What is considered when matching a caregiver: skills, experience, schedule, personality, language?
• Can we meet or speak with the caregiver before care begins?
• What happens if the caregiver is sick or on vacation?
• How do we ask for a change if the match is not working?

The care plan

• Is there a written care plan? Who prepares it, and how often is it reviewed?
• Which tasks can the caregiver help with, and which are outside the service?
• How are medication reminders handled?

Scheduling and costs

• Is there a minimum visit length or number of hours?
• How are schedule changes and cancellations handled?
• How are costs explained, and what does the arrangement cover?
• Where are the full terms written down?

Communication

• Who is our main contact at the agency?
• How will we receive updates, and how often?
• Who in the family is authorized to receive information?

Prepared by Frontline Aide from the information on our website about how non-medical home care is arranged. This guide is general information to help you plan. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. For health questions, speak with the person's own doctor or care team. Last reviewed October 13, 2026.

Guide

Hospital Discharge Planning Checklist

A checklist for the days before and after a hospital discharge, so the move home is organized and nothing important is missed.

Before leaving the hospital

• Ask for written discharge instructions and read them before leaving
• Ask the hospital team who to call with medical questions after discharge
• Ask which symptoms or changes should prompt a call to the doctor, and write them down
• Confirm follow-up appointments, with dates and addresses
• Ask whether any equipment (for example a walker or shower chair) is recommended, and how to get it
• Get an updated medication list from the hospital team

Preparing the home

• Clear walkways and remove loose rugs
• Make the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen easy to reach
• Stock easy meals and drinks for the first days
• Put a phone and the list of contacts within reach of the bed and chair

Planning support

• Who will be at home on the first day and night?
• Which tasks need help: washing, dressing, meals, getting around?
• Who will provide transportation to follow-up appointments?
• If arranging non-medical home care, share the discharge date and instructions with the agency as early as possible

The first weeks at home

• Keep the discharge instructions somewhere everyone can see them
• Note questions for the follow-up appointment as they come up
• Review support each week and adjust as strength returns

Prepared by Frontline Aide from the information on our website about how non-medical home care is arranged. This guide is general information to help you plan. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. For health questions, speak with the person's own doctor or care team. Last reviewed October 13, 2026.

Guide

Dementia Home Safety Checklist

Practical, room-by-room ideas for making home safer and calmer for someone living with memory loss.

Throughout the home

• Keep rooms well lit, including night lights in hallways and the bathroom
• Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs and cords
• Keep the layout familiar; avoid moving furniture unnecessarily
• Use simple labels or pictures on cupboards and doors if they help

Kitchen

• Consider stove safety options, such as knob covers or an automatic shut-off device
• Store cleaning products and sharp items out of easy reach
• Check the refrigerator regularly for spoiled food

Bathroom

• Consider grab bars and a non-slip mat
• Set the water heater to a safe temperature
• Keep medications stored securely, with reminders at agreed times

Wandering and getting lost

• Keep a recent photo and a written description ready
• Ask the person's doctor or a local resource about identification options
• Let trusted neighbors know who to call if they see the person out alone
• Notice times of day when restlessness is more likely, and plan calming activities

Routines and calm

• Keep a regular daily routine for meals, activities, and rest
• Reduce noise and clutter when the person feels unsettled
• Keep familiar photos, music, and objects nearby

Emergency plan

• Keep a list of emergency contacts, doctors, and current medications in one place
• Make sure everyone who provides care knows where the list is
• Ask the person's healthcare providers what to do if behavior or health changes suddenly

Prepared by Frontline Aide from the information on our website about how non-medical home care is arranged. This guide is general information to help you plan. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. For health questions, speak with the person's own doctor or care team. Last reviewed October 13, 2026.