Choosing a home care agency for someone you love is a big decision. The right agency brings peace of mind; the wrong one brings stress. In Maryland, home care is regulated, which gives families a helpful starting point for evaluating providers. Use this checklist to compare agencies with confidence.
Confirm the agency is a licensed Maryland RSA
In Maryland, agencies that provide home care are licensed as Residential Service Agencies (RSAs) and overseen by the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ). Always ask for the agency's RSA license number. My Home Cares is licensed under RSA-01229 | HCSA-00845.
Ask how caregivers are screened and trained
Reputable agencies run criminal background checks, verify certifications, and train caregivers to state standards. Ask whether caregivers are employees (covered by insurance and supervision) rather than contractors, and how the agency handles training and ongoing oversight.
Make sure care is personalized
Every person's needs are different. A good agency completes an assessment and builds an individualized care plan, then updates it as needs change, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service.
Check the range of services
Needs evolve over time. Choosing an agency that offers skilled nursing, personal care, companion care, respite, and homemaking means you won't have to switch providers as circumstances change.
Understand costs and payment options
Ask for clear pricing and which payment methods are accepted, private pay, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid waiver programs. A trustworthy agency will explain your options without pressure.
Look for responsiveness and communication
How quickly does the agency answer the phone and respond to questions? Reliable communication is one of the best predictors of reliable care. Ask how they handle scheduling, caregiver changes, and emergencies.
Read reviews and ask for references
Online reviews and word-of-mouth from other families offer real insight. Don't hesitate to ask the agency for references.
Questions to ask on your first call
What is your RSA license number? How do you screen and train caregivers? Will my loved one have consistent caregivers? How do you create and update the care plan? What happens if a caregiver is sick? How soon can care begin?
The bottom line
A great home care agency is licensed, transparent, responsive, and genuinely person-centered. If you'd like to see how My Home Cares measures up, schedule a free consultation, we're happy to answer every question on this list. Call (410) 231-3076.