Finding Trustworthy Home Care: Red Flags to Avoid and Questions to Ask
Choosing the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions families can make. For a senior loved one, an adult living with a disability, or someone recovering from an illness, professional in-home support should provide peace of mind, not added stress. But with so many options available, the decision can feel overwhelming. How can you tell if a provider is trustworthy?
At Kore Cares, we believe families deserve transparency, professionalism, and compassion from their care team. To help you navigate the process, here are some key red flags to watch for and key questions to ask when evaluating home care providers.
Finding Trustworthy Home Care
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing Home Care
If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be a sign to keep looking at other elderly care services
Lack of Accreditation
If an agency can’t provide proof of satisfaction from the people who matter most, their team and those they serve, that’s a major red flag. Accreditation and industry recognition show that a provider follows high standards of safety and quality. Families in Sioux Falls should look for agencies that demonstrate proven excellence through certifications, awards, and a positive community reputation.
High Staff Turnover Rates
A revolving door of caregivers often signals poor training, low morale, or inconsistent quality of care. Families depending on home health care should feel confident that their loved ones are supported by consistent, reliable professionals. High turnover not only disrupts care but can also impact trust and comfort levels for seniors who depend on familiar faces.
At Kore Cares, we reduce high staff turnover by investing in our team through comprehensive training, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture that values and retains caregivers.
No Clear Care Plans
Every client has unique needs. If a provider offers a “one-size-fits-all” approach, they may not deliver the personalized support your loved one deserves. A strong care plan should include input from families, clear health goals, and flexibility to adapt as needs change.
At Kore Cares, our initial consultation focuses on meaningful conversations about each client’s unique needs and preferences. From there, we maintain ongoing communication to create and adjust personalized care plans that truly support their goals and lifestyle.
Poor Communication
If it’s difficult to get a timely response from office staff or caregivers, imagine how stressful it will be when urgent needs arise. Delays in communication can create unnecessary worry for families and even put a client’s health at risk. Reliable home health care should provide clear updates, fast responses, and multiple ways to stay connected.
Kore Cares makes it easy to stay in contact with each of our offices, including on-call staff and prompt responses.
Negative Reviews or No References
Reputable providers should be able to share references or testimonials. If feedback is vague, or worse, unavailable, proceed with caution. Online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and community reputation play a big role when choosing home health care. Families should take time to read testimonials, ask for client references, and look for patterns of consistent quality in both care and communication.
Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider
Asking the right questions can help you feel confident about your choice:
What services do you provide?
Make sure the agency offers the type of care your loved one needs, whether it’s personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing, etc.), housekeeping, companionship, or nursing support.How do you screen and train your caregivers?
Trustworthy home care agencies conduct background checks, provide ongoing training, and match caregivers to clients thoughtfully.Can care plans be customized?
Every client’s needs are different—personalized care should always be an option.What happens if a caregiver is unavailable?
Ask how the agency handles sick days or last-minute schedule changes. Reliable providers have backup plans.How is communication handled?
Whether it’s scheduling, billing, or updates on your loved one’s care, clear and consistent communication is essential.Do you involve families in the care process?
The best home care agencies keep families informed and included in decision-making.
Why Families Choose Kore Cares
At Kore Cares, we understand that inviting someone into your home is a matter of trust. That’s why we:
Are recognized as award-winning providers, including Caring Star of 2024 and Best Home Care honors.
Carefully screen and train our caregivers to ensure professionalism and compassion.
Offer customized care plans designed to fit each client’s lifestyle and needs.
Provide a wide range of services, from companionship and housekeeping to specialized nursing support.
Keep communication open, so families feel supported every step of the way.
Finding trustworthy home care takes time, but asking the right questions and watching for red flags can protect your loved one and give you peace of mind.
Compassionate Home Health Care from Kore Cares
At Kore Cares, we’re committed to transparency, improving quality of life, and compassionate care. If you’re looking for a trusted partner in home care, we’re here to answer your questions and create a plan that fits your family’s needs. We proudly offer services in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Pierre, Yankton, SD, and surrounding areas.
Call 1-888-546-0704 today to set up a consultation. You can also visit our services page to learn more about how Kore Cares supports families with compassionate home health care tailored to each individual’s needs.