Trusting someone to run errands for an elderly parent or relative is personal—you're handing over not just a to-do list, but peace of mind. The right reference check can reveal whether a service truly delivers reliability, safety, and genuine care. Here's how to ask the right questions and what answers should raise your confidence.
Why Reference Checks Matter for Senior Services
Senior errand services aren't like hiring a house cleaner; they often involve managing medications, handling financial documents, or transporting vulnerable individuals. A poor reference can signal missed appointments, forgotten prescriptions, or worse—a lack of trustworthiness around personal information. Speaking directly with past clients cuts through marketing language and shows you exactly what to expect.
Questions About Reliability and Punctuality
Ask: "Was the service provider ever late to scheduled appointments, and how did they communicate if delays occurred?"
Late pickups for medical appointments or missed pharmacy runs directly impact a senior's health. Look for references who mention proactive communication—a call 15 minutes before arrival, or a text if traffic is heavy. Services charging $18–$25 per hour should still prioritize on-time service; timeliness shouldn't be a premium feature.
Ask: "Did they ever cancel last-minute, and how often did that happen?"
Consistency matters enormously for seniors on fixed schedules. References should report minimal cancellations. If someone mentions more than one unplanned cancellation in a year, that's a yellow flag—especially if your parent relies on weekly pharmacy trips or regular appointments.
Questions About Safety and Trustworthiness
Ask: "How did the service provider handle sensitive information—like payment details, medical records, or house keys?"
This is non-negotiable. References should describe a provider who locked doors, never left belongings unattended in vehicles, and treated personal information with obvious discretion. If a reference hesitates or mentions items going missing, move on immediately.
Ask: "Did your loved one feel safe and comfortable with this person?"
Senior care is emotional. A trustworthy provider builds rapport—they might remember a favorite coffee order, chat during rides, or gently remind your parent about sunscreen. References who describe their elder feeling "at ease" or "looked forward to visits" are describing the real gold standard.
Ask: "Were they trained or certified in senior care, and did it show?"
Some services employ staff with CNAs or senior care certifications; others don't. Certified providers typically understand fall prevention, mobility challenges, and how to communicate with seniors experiencing cognitive decline. Ask the reference if the provider demonstrated that knowledge.
Questions About Communication
Ask: "How often did the service provider update you on what was completed?"
A reference should expect and receive text updates, photos of receipts, or brief calls confirming tasks. This transparency costs nothing but builds massive trust. Providers charging $20–$30 per errand should always confirm completion.
Ask: "Did the service provider suggest improvements or flag problems?"
Quality providers notice things. They might mention that a prescription is due for renewal, that the senior is struggling with mobility, or that a store is too crowded for safe shopping. References describing a proactive partner—not just a task-executor—are describing someone worth hiring.
Questions About Cost and Scope
Ask: "Were there any surprise charges, and was pricing transparent upfront?"
Typical costs run $20–$35 per errand, $25–$40 per hour for shopping, or $15–$25 per mile for transportation. Ask whether the reference experienced add-ons, rush fees, or unclear billing. Trustworthy services quote flat rates or hourly costs before service begins.
Ask: "Could the provider handle multiple errands in one trip, and did they do it efficiently?"
A good reference will describe smooth multi-stop trips—pharmacy, grocery store, bank—without seeming rushed. This efficiency saves your parent time and money.
Get Multiple References
Request at least three references, ideally from seniors or families who've used the service for 6+ months. Long-term references reveal whether quality holds up over time.
Mercoly makes comparing multiple senior errand services and their reviews straightforward, letting you gather references and compare provider ratings in one place before you call anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I expect an errand service to take for typical tasks like pharmacy and grocery shopping? Most services complete a single-stop errand in 30–45 minutes, while a two-stop trip (pharmacy plus grocery) typically takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and crowding.
Q: What should I do if a reference gives vague answers or seems reluctant to speak? A hesitant reference is itself a red flag—ask directly if they'd recommend the service and move forward only if you get a clear yes.
Q: Do I need to pay for background checks, or do reputable services provide them? Established services typically provide background checks; if a provider resists sharing results or doesn't conduct them, that's a dealbreaker for senior care.
Start by reaching out to at least three references today—it's the fastest way to find a provider you can actually trust.