Home Care Questions Every Family Should Ask
August 15, 2025 | Aging Life Care, Caregiving, Home Care, Maintaining Independence, Senior living
Starting the search for home care can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Maybe you’re looking out for yourself or helping a loved one, and either way, it’s normal to wonder where to begin. Knowing which questions to ask can help you get a clearer picture of the services, how care works, and who will be there to support you.
To make this easier, we have gathered some of the most common questions families ask when starting this journey along with clear and straightforward answers to help guide you.
1. What types of home care services do you provide?
From personal care and medication reminders to light housekeeping and companionship, our services are designed to support daily living and independence.
2. Is Windward Life Care a licensed home care provider?
Yes. Since 2016, the State of California requires all home care companies to be licensed. Windward Life Care is a licensed Home Care Organization with the Home Care Service Bureau, giving families added peace of mind.
3. How do you screen and train your caregivers?
We carefully screen all caregivers with background checks and verify their experience. Every home care aide completes our proprietary Compass Care Certification, a 10-hour training program designed to ensure skilled and compassionate care.
4. How is care monitored and adjusted over time?
Our Aging Life Care Managers® regularly check in with home care aides, clients, and families to ensure care plans are effective and care goals are being met. If any changes arise, the Aging Life Care Manager updates the plan and coordinates with your home care aide to address them.
5. What happens if a caregiver is unavailable?
Life can be unpredictable, and caregivers may occasionally be unavailable. We have additional caregivers ready, and our team quickly steps in to make arrangements so your care continues without interruption.
6. How do your caregivers support clients with specific health needs?
Through their required Compass Care Certification training, home care aides learn how to support clients with a range of needs, including dementia, mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, end-of-life care, and more. This knowledge helps them provide care that is both informed and compassionate.
7. How do caregivers support connection and independence?
Beyond daily tasks, caregivers provide companionship and help clients stay active in their communities. They offer support with transportation to appointments, errands, and social activities while also being a steady, friendly presence.
8. How do you handle emergencies?
Windward is available to provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours, you can reach the main office at (619) 450-4300. After hours, on weekends, and holidays, an on-call care manager is available at (858) 692-3535.
9. Why should we work with Windward Life Care?
Finding the right home care means having people you can count on day after day. Our caregivers stay with us longer than most. Our turnover rate is just 33%, well below the national average for agency caregivers. That means more consistency and peace of mind for you and your family.
Choosing home care is a big decision, and it’s important to feel confident about the support your family will receive. Asking these questions can help you understand what quality care looks like and find a provider who truly fits your needs. If you’d like to talk through your options or have more questions, give us a call (619-450-4300); our team is ready to help.