Choosing a Home Care Agency in South Dakota: 10 Questions Every Family Should Ask

Finding the right home care agency for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make.

A quick internet search may reveal dozens of agencies that appear similar on the surface. Most promise compassionate caregivers, flexible scheduling, and quality care. Yet the reality is that not all home care agencies operate the same way.

In an unregulated state like South Dakota, choosing the right agency can have a significant impact on safety, quality of life, caregiver consistency, and overall peace of mind.

Whether you are exploring care for yourself, a parent, spouse, or other loved one, here are ten important questions every family should ask before selecting a home care provider.

1. How Are Caregivers Screened?

Your caregiver will be spending time in your home and often assisting with personal or sensitive tasks.

Ask what screening measures the agency uses before hiring employees.

Important questions include:

  • Are criminal background checks completed?

  • Are drug screenings required?

  • Are driving records reviewed for caregivers who provide transportation?

  • Are reference checks conducted?

A reputable agency should have a thorough screening process designed to protect clients and families.

2. What Training Do Caregivers Receive?

Many families are surprised to learn that South Dakota does not have minimum training requirements for non-medical home care caregivers.

Because of this, training standards can vary significantly from one agency to another.

Ask:

  • What training do caregivers receive before working with clients?

  • How is ongoing education delivered to staff?

  • Are CPR certifications encouraged or required?

  • Is there hands-on training available?

  • Do caregivers receive dementia-specific training?

  • Does the agency offer CNA sponsorship or advanced caregiver development opportunities?

A quality agency should invest in developing caregivers rather than simply placing employees in homes.

3. How Does the Agency Ensure Quality Care?

Providing care is only one part of the equation. Monitoring quality is equally important.

Ask how the agency evaluates client satisfaction and caregiver performance.

Examples include:

  • Regular supervisory visits

  • Client satisfaction surveys

  • Quality assurance programs

  • Ongoing communication with clients and families

  • Change in condition alerts

An agency should have systems in place to identify concerns before they become problems.

4. Will We Have Consistent Caregivers?

One of the biggest concerns families have is seeing a different caregiver every visit.

While occasional schedule changes are inevitable, continuity of care is important for building trust, comfort, and familiarity.

Ask:

  • How does the agency match caregivers with clients?

  • What is the average caregiver retention rate?

  • How often should we expect caregiver changes?

  • How does the agency support and retain caregivers?

  • What benefits are offered to employees?

  • What professional development opportunities are available?

Caregiver consistency is often directly related to how employees are treated. Agencies that invest in benefits, education, recognition programs, and career development often experience stronger retention, resulting in more consistent care for clients.

5. What Happens If My Caregiver Is Sick or Unavailable?

Life happens. Caregivers get sick, experience emergencies, or take vacations.

Ask how the agency handles coverage when a scheduled caregiver cannot work.

Questions to consider:

  • Is there an on-call system?

  • How are replacement caregivers assigned?

  • How much notice will families receive?

Knowing how the agency handles scheduling disruptions can bring peace of mind and set clear expectations.

 

6. How Are Care Plans Developed?

Every client is unique.

A quality home care agency should take time to understand the individual's needs, goals, preferences, and routines before services begin.

Ask:

  • Is a free in-home consultation available?

  • How are care plans developed?

  • How often are care plans reviewed and updated?

  • How do you get to know and understand our needs, routines, and expectations?

The best care plans are personalized and evolve as needs change.

7. Are Caregivers Employees or Independent Contractors?

Families are often surprised to learn that not all caregiving arrangements provide the same protections.

Ask:

  • Are caregivers employees of the agency?

  • Does the agency carry workers' compensation insurance?

  • Does the agency carry liability insurance?

  • Who handles payroll taxes and employment responsibilities?

  • Who handles performance concerns?

  • Who handles scheduling the caregiver or nurse?

Employers are able to provide protections that do not come with independent contractor relationships.

 

8. What Services Are Available? What payer sources cover these services?

Not all agencies offer the same services.

Some provide only personal care, while others may also offer nursing services, respite care, companionship, homemaking, transportation, or specialized support.

Understanding available services can help ensure your loved one's needs can continue to be met over time.

Ask whether the agency offers:

  • Personal care assistance

  • Meal preparation

  • Housekeeping

  • Transportation

  • Companionship

  • Respite care

  • Nursing services

  • Medication management/support

  • Medical Alert Systems

 

Payer sources could include:

·       Long Term Care Insurance

·       VA

·       Medicaid

·       Private Pay

Choosing an agency with a broad range of services and payer sources may reduce the need to switch providers as care needs change.

 

9. What Do Other Clients Say About Their Experience?

One of the best indicators of future performance is past performance.

Ask about:

  • Client satisfaction ratings

  • Independent surveys

  • Online reviews

  • Industry awards or recognitions

  • Client testimonials

While no agency is perfect, a consistent history of positive feedback can provide reassurance that the organization is committed to delivering quality care.

10. Who started this company and why?

When someone is helping your loved one bathe, dress, prepare meals, manage medications, or remain safely at home, you are trusting more than a caregiver. You are trusting the leadership team that hires, trains, and supports that caregiver.

Questions families should ask include:

  • Who founded the company?

  • Why was the company started?

  • Is the owner actively involved?

  • Is the company locally owned or managed from another state?

  • How long has the agency been serving South Dakota families?

There are many excellent home care providers serving South Dakota. Because home care agencies are not currently licensed by the state, families should take time to learn about each organization's leadership, mission, and values before making a decision.

The Right Choice Is About More Than Services

Choosing a home care agency is about more than finding someone to help with daily tasks.

It is about finding a trusted partner who can help your loved one remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home while providing peace of mind for the entire family.

By asking the right questions and taking time to evaluate your options, you can make a decision that supports your loved one's health, dignity, and quality of life for years to come.

At Kore Cares, we encourage families to ask questions and carefully compare providers. An informed decision is always the best decision. If you would like to learn more about home care services or schedule a free in-home consultation, our team would be honored to help guide you through the process.

To find a location near you visit https://www.korecares.com/contact or if you would like us to contact you will out our referral form https://korecaresllc.clearcareonline.com/referrals/.

 

Cassie Beisch