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Jun 20, 2023

How to Find the Best Home Care Company for Your Parents

Written By: Jake Mitten for Home Instead of Markham
A Home Instead caregiver sits on a porch swing with an elderly man, both smiling warmly, highlighting a moment of shared connection and companionship.

You’ve gotten to the point where your family has decided it’s time to bring in home care services for one (or both) of your parents. Although that might have taken a lot of time and effort to get to this point, unfortunately there is still work to be done. Finding the right home care company to get services from is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. You want to ensure that your loved ones receive the highest quality care and support in the comfort of their own home. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of finding the best home care company to meet your needs, providing valuable insights and considerations to help you make an informed choice.

  1. Assess Your Parent's Needs
    Start by assessing your parent's specific care needs. Consider their medical conditions, mobility limitations, and daily assistance requirements. This evaluation will help you determine the level of care needed and the specific services that a home care company should provide. It may include personal care, medication management, companionship, or specialized care for conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's.

    At Home Instead in Markham ON, our professional care team (led by a Registered Nurse) conducts comprehensive assessments to understand your parent's unique needs to assist in this process. We work closely with you and your loved ones to develop a personalized care plan that addresses their specific requirements.

  2. Research and Recommendations
    Conduct thorough research on home care companies in your area. Seek recommendations from friends, family, healthcare professionals, and local community organizations. Online review platforms and industry associations can also provide valuable insights. Look for companies with positive feedback, a solid reputation, and a focus on personalized care.

    Home Instead has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional home care services in Markham, Ontario. Our satisfied clients and positive reviews testify to our commitment to delivering compassionate and personalized care to seniors in our community. Check out reviews from clients here

  3. Licensing and Accreditation
    Verify that the home care companies you are considering are properly licensed, accredited, and compliant with local regulations. Accreditation from reputable organizations ensures that the company meets specific standards of care and adheres to best practices. These certifications demonstrate their commitment to quality and professionalism.

    Home Instead is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We adhere to all local regulations and standards, and we are proud to be members of/partners with many reputable organizations such as CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons), Home Care Ontario, and the Canadian Home Care Association.

  4. Caregiver Screening and Training
    Inquire about the caregiver screening and training processes employed by the home care company. Ensure that their caregivers undergo thorough background checks, reference verification, and comprehensive training. Ask about their qualifications, experience, and ongoing education programs. This ensures that your parents will receive care from qualified, trustworthy, and compassionate professionals.

    At Home Instead, our caregivers are fully employed by us and not contract workers. We have a rigorous caregiver selection process that includes comprehensive background checks, reference verification, and multiple thorough interviews. Our caregivers are experienced, highly trained, and dedicated to providing compassionate care to your parents. You can learn more about some of our care professionals here.

  5. Personalized Care Plans
    Look for a home care company that emphasizes personalized care plans tailored to each individual's unique needs. A comprehensive assessment should be conducted to develop a customized care plan that addresses specific requirements. Regular assessments and open communication should be encouraged to ensure ongoing adjustments and monitoring of your parent's changing needs.

    Home Instead takes a personalized approach to care and is a firm believer that we are there to adhere to the clients routine, not change things up. We conduct detailed assessments to understand your parent's needs and preferences, and we create customized care plans that evolve with their changing requirements. We maintain open lines of communication to ensure we are consistently meeting their needs.

  6. Availability and Flexibility
    Consider the company's availability and flexibility in providing care. Find out if they offer 24/7 services, emergency support, and the ability to accommodate schedule changes or additional care requests. A reliable home care company should be responsive, adaptable, and able to provide consistent care whenever it is needed.

    Home Instead offers flexible care options to accommodate varying schedules and needs. Our caregivers are available around the clock, providing 24/7 support and emergency assistance. We understand that care needs can change, and we are committed to being there for your parents whenever they need us.

  7. Client and Family Involvement
    Inquire about the company's approach to involving clients and their families in the care process. Clear communication channels, care coordination meetings, and regular updates should be part of their service. Look for a company that values and encourages family involvement, ensuring that you are well-informed and actively engaged in your parent's care.

    At Home Instead, we believe in fostering strong relationships with both our clients and their families. We maintain open communication channels, hold care coordination meetings, and provide regular updates on your parent's well-being. We actively involve you in the care process, ensuring that you have peace of mind and are actively engaged in your loved one's care.

  8. Trust and Compatibility
    Trust your instincts when selecting a home care company. Schedule interviews or consultations with potential providers to assess their professionalism, communication style, and compatibility with your family values. Establishing a trusting relationship is essential for the well-being and happiness of your parents.

    At Home Instead, we understand the importance of trust and compatibility. We encourage you to meet with us, ask questions, and get to know our team. We strive to build trusting relationships with our clients and their families, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in the care we provide.


Choosing the best home care company for your parents requires careful research, assessment of needs, and consideration of various factors. By evaluating their specific requirements, conducting thorough research, considering caregiver qualifications, and prioritizing personalized care, you can find a reputable and compassionate home care company that will provide exceptional care for your parents. At Home Instead in Markham, we are dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate care to seniors, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being.

If you or your loved one are considering aging in place, reach out to the Home Instead Markham in-home care team. Our dedicated caregivers are here to provide the support needed to ensure a healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful life at home.

Don’t wait any longer, call today at (289) 278-4183.

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