Can I switch GAPP agencies in Georgia?
Yes. Your child's GAPP hours belong to your child, not to the nursing agency, so you can choose a different agency. Ask the new agency how they handle the transfer and when they can start, and keep care going with your current agency until the new start date is confirmed in writing.
What should I ask a GAPP agency before choosing it?
Ask every agency the same questions, and ask for the answers in writing:
- How many of our approved hours can you staff right now, including nights and weekends?
- Do you have nurses who live near us, in our county?
- Who covers a shift when a nurse calls out, and how fast?
- Will the same nurse or small team come most of the time?
- Who is our contact, and how fast do they reply?
- How do you handle renewal packets and help when hours are cut?
- Do you offer the Family Caregiver Option, and what are the pay, training and checks?
What are the red flags when choosing a GAPP agency?
- Promises of more hours. Hours come from the state's review of your child's records, not from the agency.
- Vague answers about staffing. If they cannot say how many of your hours they can fill, assume it is fewer than you need.
- Pressure to sign the same day. A good agency will give you time to compare.
- Gifts, cash or perks for signing up. Choose on care and staffing, nothing else.
- Nothing in writing. If an answer matters, ask them to put it in an email.
When is it time to switch GAPP agencies?
It may be time to switch when shifts keep going unfilled, calls and messages go unanswered, renewal packets go in late, or you have safety concerns about the care. If missed shifts are the main problem, start with our guide to GAPP nursing hours not being filled.
How does GAPP Check help with choosing an agency?
GAPP Check helps you compare agencies side by side with the questions above, gets the answers in writing, and coordinates the switch paperwork so there is no gap in care. No nursing agency pays us or funds GAPP Check, so our only job is helping you compare fairly.
Questions families ask
Will I lose GAPP hours if I switch agencies?
Switching agencies should not by itself change your child's approved hours, which come from the state's review. Get the new agency's start date in writing so there is no gap in care.
Can I keep my nurse if I switch agencies?
Sometimes. Ask both agencies directly. Some nurses work for more than one agency, and some agencies have rules about it.
Is help choosing an agency free?
Yes. GAPP Check is free for families.
Does GAPP Check get paid by agencies?
No. No nursing agency pays us or funds GAPP Check. We give you the questions to compare agencies fairly and help you get the answers in writing.