How to Choose a Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh

Agency vs. registry vs. independent — know what you're hiring

• Full-service agency (like Mary Angels): employs, screens, trains, insures, and supervises caregivers, and handles scheduling and backup. You have one company accountable for everything.
• Registry: matches you with independent caregivers — but you often become the employer, responsible for taxes, insurance, and finding a replacement when they're sick.
• Independent caregiver: cheapest hourly, but no backup, no oversight, and the liability is yours.

For most families, a licensed agency is the safest choice. Here's how to vet one.

The 12 questions to ask every agency

1. Are you licensed in Pennsylvania? (Non-negotiable.)
2. Are caregivers your W-2 employees or independent contractors? Employees are screened, trained, supervised, and covered by the agency's insurance.
3. What background checks do you run? Look for PA criminal, national, and abuse-registry checks.
4. Are you bonded and insured (liability + workers' comp)? This protects your family if something goes wrong.
5. Will my parent have a consistent caregiver, or a rotating cast of strangers?
6. What happens if the caregiver is sick or quits — do you provide backup?
7. How are caregivers trained, especially for dementia or transfers?
8. Who supervises the caregiver, and how often do they check in?
9. Can I reach a real person after hours?
10. Is there a contract or minimum commitment? Can I change hours or cancel easily?
11. How and when do you bill, and what's the hourly rate — all-in?
12. Do you accept my funding — CHC waiver, VA, long-term care insurance?

Red flags

• Vague answers about licensing or insurance
• Caregivers labeled “contractors” (you may inherit liability)
• No backup plan for sick days
• Pressure to sign a long contract on the spot
• No named supervisor or after-hours contact
• Reviews that mention constant caregiver turnover

Green flags

• PA-licensed, insured, bonded
• W-2 caregivers who are background-checked and trained
• A consistent caregiver matched to your parent
• A free in-home assessment with no obligation
• Real reviews from local families and a real person who answers the phone

How Mary Angels measures up

We're a family- and women-owned, PA-licensed agency serving Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Our caregivers are W-2 employees — background-checked, trained, and insured — and we match your loved one with a consistent caregiver, with backup when needed. Ask us all 12 questions. Call 412-318-4237 or book a free assessment.