What is the Home Care Bureau of California?

It’s not easy to choose the best home care provider for your loved one. There are many factors to consider, including cost, experience, the services required and – of course – the legitimacy of the care provided. The Home Care Services Bureau of California is a state-run agency, dedicated to ensuring professional home care agencies and providers are educated, trained and qualified to provide care. The bureau operates under the umbrella of CA’s Department of Social Services.

We recommend using their search registry to verify the licensing of any home care aide working on behalf of yourself or a senior loved one.

What does the Home Care Bureau of California Do?

In addition to verifying the qualifications and credentials of professional home health care aides, the Home Care Bureau of California:

• Processes applications and administers licenses to home care agencies and caregivers.
• Maintains the state’s home care aide registry.
• Ensures licensees have completed the criminal background check process administered by the California Department of Social Services.
• Requires re-registering every two years to ensure licensing and criminal background information is current.
• Receives and responds to complaints from clients or other members of the public about home care aides and/or agencies.
• Performs unannounced visits to ensure an agency and/or caregiver is in compliance with state codes and regulations.
• Maintains records regarding complaints and violations for up to five years.

Use the Home Care Bureau’s Search Function to Verify the Legitimacy of Home Care Aides (HCA)

Before meeting with any home health care agency or home care aide for a consultation, we recommend getting his or her:

• First name
• Last name
• Personnel Identification Number

This information is required to access the Home Care Aid Registry Search Function. There is no use spending time interviewing, getting into contract with or creating a relationship with caregivers who do not meet the state’s criteria.

The Home Care Bureau Also Provides Resources and Support for both Caregivers, Clients and Family

In addition to promoting the professionalism, integrity and quality of home health care, the Home Care Bureau also provides a wealth of information, resources and support for both caregivers, their clients and/or client family members.

The Home Care Bureau of California offers links to:

• Search the home care registry. As mentioned above, this search will let you know whether prospective caregiver(s) is licensed. It only costs $25 to apply to the registry, which shouldn’t prohibit any qualified representatives from becoming members of the registry. In most cases, legitimate home care agencies cover these costs for employees who pass their screening requirements.
• Find licensed community care facilities. For seniors who require adult day care or memory care, community care facilities and home care organizations are lifesavers. These services are significantly more affordable than the costs associated with traditional assisted living or nursing home facilities.For example: Click Here to search for a home care organization in your area. Then search via county or zip code. To find HomeAide Home Care, you can simply select “Alameda” from the dropdown county list, and then click the “Search” tab. There you’ll find us – in alphabetical order – located on page 3. You can then click, “View” to the right of the organization for more information.In our case, you’ll see that we have zero citations and zero complaints – something we are very proud of.
• The ability to contact a social services agency if needed. In most cases, this wouldn’t be necessary unless you are need to file a complaint or reporting suspected elder or client abuse. Just as the Child Protective Services investigates complaints of child abuse or neglect, the Adult Protective Services investigates cases where adult abuse and/or neglect is suspected.

Schedule a Consultation with an Agency Licensed with the Home Care Bureau of California

Are you interested in learning more about home care services for someone you love? Contact HomeAide Home Care to schedule a free, in home consultation and assessment. These are no-obligation visits, giving us a chance to speak with you about your concerns and how we can be of service. We are fully licensed and all of our caregivers have been thoroughly vetted via complete criminal background checks and DMV reports. We offer part-time, full-time and respite care services, and our compassionate touch can be a welcome augmentation to existing skilled nursing care.

We’re also happy to advise you as to lifestyle changes and basic home reorganization that will make your loved one’s living space safer and more accessible.