Service Agreement & Red Flags

flags checked

Check the flags you noticed during your intake call or meet-and-greet. The score updates as you go.

Client name

Use this before signing a service agreement. These aren't reasons to automatically decline a client — they're signals to pay attention to. One flag is a note. Several flags is a conversation you need to have.

Communication Red Flags

Vague or defensive about why previous caregivers didn't work out

If they can't tell you what went wrong, you're flying blind.

Won't give you specific details about the client's condition or needs

You can't agree to care for someone you have no information about.

Story changed between the intake call and the meet-and-greet

Small changes are normal. Big changes about scope, diagnosis, or hours are a flag.

You left the conversation with more questions than answers

If something felt off and you can't name it — trust that.

Family & Household Red Flags

No clear decision-maker — different family members giving conflicting information

You can't serve multiple bosses. Establish one contact before you start.

Family members argued or contradicted each other in front of you

Family conflict follows the caregiver home. It doesn't stay at the door.

Client seemed uncomfortable with or afraid of the family member present

Take this seriously. You have an obligation to the client, not just the family.

Ongoing legal dispute — contested POA, guardianship, or estate

You can become a witness, a pawn, or a target in these situations.

Financial Red Flags

Pushed back hard on rate, then suddenly agreed without any discussion

Sometimes this means they plan to renegotiate after you've started.

Asked to start before the service agreement is signed

This is a non-starter. Do not start without a signed agreement. Not even one shift.

Wants to pay cash only with no invoice or paper trail

You need a record. Cash-only with no documentation creates legal and tax exposure for you.

Gave vague or evasive answers about how payment would work

Payment hesitation before you start becomes late or missing payment after you start.

Scope & Expectations Red Flags

Described tasks outside your scope without prompting

Wound care, IV management, complex medical procedures. If it's skilled nursing, say so and stop there.

Mentioned add-ons as if they were obvious — yard work, driving multiple people, cleaning other rooms

Your service agreement defines scope. If it's not in there, it's not included.

Implied 24-hour availability at your hourly rate

This is a fundamental misunderstanding of private pay. Clarify before signing.

Compared you to a housekeeper or described the work as easy or minimal

Underestimating care work usually means undervaluing you. Watch for it in how they treat you on the job.

Caregiver History Red Flags

5 or more caregivers in the past year

High turnover almost always means a problem with the family or the environment — not the caregivers.

Prior caregiver was let go suddenly with no clear reason given

Ask directly: "What happened?" If they can't answer, that's an answer.

Was involved in a formal dispute or complaint against an agency or prior caregiver

Not always a disqualifier — but it means documentation and clear communication matter even more.

Mentioned that "no one has ever been able to handle" the client's needs

This may be true and require careful planning — or it may be a warning about behavior or conditions not disclosed.