# How to Choose a Home Care Agency in Dallas (2026 Checklist) – Family Home Care Guide Source: https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/how-to-choose-a-home-care-agency/ Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Publisher: Family Home Care Guide (Albert Sloss, Editor) · No paid placements [Home](https://familyhomecareguide.com/) › [Dallas](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/) # How to Choose a Home Care Agency in Dallas By **Albert Sloss, Editor** · Updated Oct 21, 2026 · [Editorial policy](https://familyhomecareguide.com/editorial-policy/) **Short answer:** First confirm the agency holds a Texas HCSSA license, using Texas HHS's free [TULIP provider search](https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/ltc-provider-search). Then compare two or three licensed agencies on caregiver screening, written rates and minimum hours, and how they cover missed shifts. Get the care plan and prices in writing before you sign anything. **On this page** * [Check the Texas license](#license) * [Checklist](#checklist) * [Questions for the first call](#questions) * [Red flags](#red-flags) * [FAQ](#faq) ## Step 1: Check the Texas license (HCSSA) In Texas, agencies that provide care in the home are licensed by Texas Health and Human Services as **Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs)**. The services an HCSSA can provide include personal assistance services, nursing, and therapy ([Texas HHS, HCSSA](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-support-services-agencies-hcssa)). * **Search online:** [TULIP LTC Provider Search](https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/ltc-provider-search) (Texas HHS, free, no login). Search by county (Dallas) and program type. Agencies may serve counties other than the one they're registered in. * **Or download the directory:** the [HCSSA providers directory (Excel)](https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/directories/HHA.xlsx) lists agencies with an active license, including license number, services provided, and license expiration date. The version we opened was dated Oct 20, 2026. * Look for *Personal Assistance Services* on the license if you need non-medical help with bathing, dressing, and similar tasks. Ask the agency for its license number and match it to the directory. * Licensing questions: Texas HHS provider licensure, 512-438-2630. ## Checklist * ☐ Active Texas HCSSA license that includes the services you need * ☐ Serves your Dallas neighborhood. See our [list of 15 Dallas agencies](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/best-home-care-agencies/). * ☐ Caregivers are screened (ask what background checks they run) and trained for your needs, such as dementia * ☐ Hourly rate, minimum hours per visit or week, and any weekend, holiday, or overnight rates in writing. Compare with [typical Dallas costs](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/home-care-cost/). * ☐ Written care plan, plus who supervises the caregiver and how often * ☐ A backup plan when a caregiver calls in sick * ☐ Clear contract terms: notice to cancel, deposits, billing cycle * ☐ Accepts your payment source (long-term care insurance, VA, Medicaid STAR+PLUS). See [paying for home care](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/paying-for-home-care/). * ☐ Recent reviews and review count (our listings link each agency's Google Maps page) ## Questions to ask on the first call 1. What is your Texas HCSSA license number, and which services does it cover? 2. Are caregivers your employees, or contractors? Who handles their payroll taxes and insurance? 3. What background checks and training do caregivers get? Any dementia-specific training? 4. What is your hourly rate? Is there a minimum per visit or per week? Do rates differ for nights, weekends, holidays, or live-in care? 5. How do you match caregivers, and can we meet them first or ask for a change? 6. What happens if a caregiver is late or sick? 7. Who writes the care plan, how often is it reviewed, and does a supervisor visit? 8. Do you work with long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or STAR+PLUS health plans? 9. How much notice do you need to start, change hours, or stop service? Is there a deposit? 10. How do we raise a concern, and who do we call after hours? ## Red flags * Can't or won't give a license number, or it doesn't show up in the Texas HHS search or directory * Won't put rates, minimums, and fees in writing * Pressure to sign the same day, or large prepayments * Vague answers about background checks or who employs the caregiver * No plan for missed shifts and no after-hours contact * Promises that Medicare will pay for ongoing non-medical care. It generally doesn't (see [does Medicare pay for home care?](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/does-medicare-pay-for-home-care/)). To report a concern about a licensed agency, contact Texas HHS (see the [HCSSA page](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-support-services-agencies-hcssa)). Free local guidance: Dallas Area Agency on Aging, 214-871-5065 ([Texas HHS directory](https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/directories/aaa)). ## Frequently asked questions How do I check if a Texas home care agency is licensed? Search the agency in Texas HHS's free TULIP LTC Provider Search, or find it in the HCSSA providers directory (an Excel file Texas HHS updates with active licenses). Non-medical personal care agencies in Texas are licensed as Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs). Personal assistance services is one of the services on that license. What should I ask a home care agency on the first call? Ask about the license, whether caregivers are employees or contractors, background checks and training, hourly rates and minimum hours, how they handle missed shifts, and how care plans are made and updated. The full list is on this page. What are red flags when choosing a home care agency? Watch for agencies that won't name their license or show it, won't put rates in writing, pressure you to sign right away, want large upfront payments, or can't say how they cover a caregiver who calls in sick. Is a home care agency the same as a home health agency? No. Non-medical home care helps with daily living. Home health is skilled medical care that a doctor orders. In Texas both are licensed as HCSSAs, but the services on each license differ, so check that the license includes the service you need. ## Related guides * [Best home care agencies in Dallas](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/best-home-care-agencies/) * [Dallas home care cost](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/home-care-cost/) * [Paying for home care in Dallas](https://familyhomecareguide.com/dallas/paying-for-home-care/) ## Sources Every link below was opened and confirmed to load on Oct 21, 2026. 1. [Texas HHS, Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA)](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-support-services-agencies-hcssa) 2. [Texas HHS TULIP, LTC Provider Search](https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/ltc-provider-search) 3. [Texas HHS, HCSSA providers directory (Excel, active licenses)](https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/directories/HHA.xlsx) 4. [Texas HHS, Area Agencies on Aging directory](https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/directories/aaa) 5. [Medicare.gov, Home health services](https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services) **Please note:** This guide is general information for families, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Prices, ratings, and program rules change; confirm directly with agencies, the VA, and Texas HHS. We are brand-neutral and do not accept payment for placement.