The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing a Home Care Clinic | Legacy Healthcare Advantage

LHAHealing Designs
Oct 20
3 min read

Choosing a home care clinic is a huge decision for any family. You’re putting your trust in someone to come into your loved one’s home, provide daily support, and make sure they’re safe and well taken care of.

Family using Legacy Healthcare’s checklist to compare home care agency

At Legacy Healthcare Advantage, we truly believe that when families are well-informed, they can make the best decisions for their loved ones. That’s why we put together this easy-to-follow checklist — to help you assess providers with confidence and a sense of calm.

1. Verify Credentials and Licensing

A reliable agency will always have the right licenses and certifications. Be sure to ask:

Is the clinic licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)?
Are the caregivers certified as CNAs, LPNs, or RNs?
Does the clinic have liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
(Source: South Carolina DHEC Home Health Licensing Standards, 2024)

2. Ask About Caregiver Screening and Training

Caregivers are the heart of any home care clinic. It's essential to ensure that the clinic takes the following steps:

Conduct thorough background checks and verify references
Implement drug screening procedures
Provide ongoing skills training and opportunities for continuing education
Ensure CPR and first-aid certifications are up to date
(Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2024)

3. Understand the Range of Services Offered

Family using Legacy Healthcare’s checklist to compare home care agencies

Every family has its own unique needs. So, it’s a good idea to check if the clinic offers:

Personal care services like bathing, dressing, and grooming
Companionship and supervision
Medication reminders
Skilled nursing or wound care
Specialized care for pediatrics, veterans, or those with dementia

Legacy Healthcare Advantage really shines by providing both medical and non-medical home care, making sure you get everything from daily assistance to clinical management all in one place.

4. Evaluate Communication and Reporting Practices

Communication is essential for building trust. Here are some questions to ask the clinic:

Will I get daily or weekly updates on care?
Who should I reach out to for urgent matters after hours?
How do you handle changes in caregivers or emergencies?

At Legacy, we ensure that every client's family receives comprehensive care logs and has access to a dedicated care coordinator for continuous updates.

5. Assess Flexibility and Availability

Life can change quickly your home care clinic should be able to adapt. Check if they offer:

24/7 care availability
Short-term and long-term options
Backup caregivers for emergencies
Same-day start for urgent cases

(Source: National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2024)

6. Review Costs and Payment Options

Legacy caregiver guiding family through home care question

Being transparent about pricing is key to building trust. Here are some important questions to consider:

What’s the hourly or daily rate?
Are there any extra charges for nights or weekends?
Which insurances or programs do you accept?

Legacy accepts Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, CLTC, Veterans Aid & Attendance, Long-Term Care insurance, and private pay.

7. Read Reviews and Ask for References

Real experiences from other families can reveal what no brochure will tell you. Look for consistent feedback on:

Reliability
Professionalism
Compassion
Responsiveness

Ask the clinic for client testimonials or case studies. Legacy proudly shares stories of successful outcomes across South Carolina.

8. Schedule a Free Home Consultation

When you choose a reputable clinic, you can expect a no-obligation consultation. This is a great opportunity to see how caregivers engage with your loved one and to determine if the clinic truly values your input. At Legacy Healthcare Advantage, our consultations cover: