Seeking advice on hiring home health aide for aging parent

Hi BPN community,

My mother and I are looking for advice or referrals on hiring a home health aide for my dad, who is having a somewhat challenging recovery from knee surgery. He is currently in skilled nursing and my parents will need support for him when he eventually returns home. We have been advised against going through agencies. I'm wondering if anybody here has a person to refer or any tips on the process of finding someone good to work with. 

Thanks for any advice!