Learning as much as you can about a home care agency is the best way to determine which agency is best for you or a loved one. Following are some questions you should ask prospective home care providers about the services they offer.

• How long has the agency been serving the community?
• Is the agency certified by Medicare?
• Is the agency licensed by the state?
• Does the agency assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes?
• What procedures are in place to handle emergencies? Are the agency caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

The following criteria determine if you may be eligible to receive home health care under your Medicare benefits:

• You must require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy or speech therapy.
• You must be homebound.
• You must be currently under a physician's care. All home health services must be ordered by your physician.