Home healthcare is something you should spend more time researching than you would just about anything else, since you're letting a stranger inside your house to take care of a loved one. Sadly, most providers are rarely inspected, and many are willing to hire caregivers who aren't qualified.

Start your search for home healthcare by word of mouth, even if you're presented with a provider's list from your insurance company. That's a good start, but what you really need to know is how other people feel about the caregivers you're considering.

Once you've found a home healthcare provider you like, check them out on the Internet. Most states have registries of certified caregivers online, though you may have to enter the aide's Social Security Number to access their certification information.