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- What is the difference between “home care” and “home health”?
SERVICE HOME CARE HOME HEALTH General Non-medical Medical Prescribed by a doctor X (at times) X Administer medication X Medication reminders X Help with daily living activities X X Personal care (grooming, bathing, dressing) X X Home therapy (speech, OT/PT) X (directed by prof) X Light housekeeping & laundry X Grocery shopping & errands X Planning & meal prep X Socialization X Transportation X Wound care, IV, injections X Payment options – Private pay -LTC insurance
-Veterans benefits
– Medicare – Medicaid
– Veterans benefits
- What are the pros and cons of going with an agency instead of an independent caregiver?
AGENCY INDEPENDENT PROS – perform background checks
– ensure training requirements
– licensed, bonded, insured
– have backup caregivers when primary caregiver cannot work
– Easy to locate & hire
– Agency manages schedule, payroll
– Agency supervises caregiver
PROS – Less strict rules & regulations may allow for them to provide a broader range of services
– Less expensive
– Families can be more selective about the caregiver
CONS – Stricter rules on what caregivers can do
– More expensive
– Families have less of a choice of caregiver
CONS – Families must perform background checks & reference checks
– Challenging to locate, hire, and train
– Usually do not have liability insurance and workman’s comp
– No backup caregiver
– Families must manage payroll & withholdings
- Are home care expenses covered by insurance?
Most insurance policies do not include coverage for nonmedical home care. Long-term care insurance is generally the only type of insurance that provides coverage for nonmedical home care.
- What’s some of the benefits of being with a small, local agency?
- Personalized Care: Smaller agencies often offer a more personalized approach to caregiving. They can tailor their services to meet your specific needs and preferences, fostering a closer caregiver-client relationship.
- Familiarity: Local agencies are often more familiar with the community and its resources. They can connect clients to local support networks, healthcare providers, and activities that suit their lifestyle.
- Lower Staff Turnover: Smaller agencies tend to have lower caregiver turnover rates. This means clients are more likely to have consistent caregivers who are familiar with their needs and routines.
- Flexibility: Smaller agencies can be more flexible in accommodating last-minute changes or adjustments to your care plan. They can respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.
- Stronger Communication: With fewer clients to manage, local agencies can maintain more direct and open lines of communication between clients, caregivers, and agency management. This can lead to quicker problem-solving and better feedback mechanisms.
- Community Engagement: Small agencies often have a stronger community presence. They may organize social events, support groups, or activities that encourage clients to engage with others and combat social isolation.
- Accountability: In a smaller agency, clients may have a closer relationship with agency owners or administrators, which can create a stronger sense of accountability and responsiveness to client concerns.
- Sense of Belonging: Clients of small, local agencies often report feeling like part of an extended family. This sense of belonging can enhance the overall caregiving experience.
- What services does your home care agency provide?
We offer a range of nonmedical services, including personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene care, toileting, med reminders), companionship (engaging conversation, walks, social events, puzzles, games, crafts), transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and life organization (research, coordination, like having your own personal assistant).
- How do you select your caregivers?
We maintain a stringent screening process that encompasses background checks, fingerprinting, reference checks, and interviews. Our caregivers are not only experienced and compassionate but also extensively trained. We adhere to a standard where we only hire caregivers whom we would entrust with our own family members. Subsequently, we carefully pair caregivers with clients based on required skills, personality traits, and preferences, aiming to establish a nurturing and harmonious caregiving relationship
- Can I choose my caregiver?
We match caregivers based on your needs and preferences. We will provide information on the caregiver that we think will be a good fit beforehand. We make the initial introduction and continue to check in to make sure the client is completely happy.
- Is your agency licensed and insured?
Absolutely, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured to provide nonmedical home care services in ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
- What is the cost of your services?
Our pricing varies based on the level of care needed. We provide transparent pricing and can discuss a customized care plan to fit your budget. Care can range anywhere from $35/hour to $50/hour.
- How do you handle emergencies or last-minute cancellations?
We have contingency plans in place to ensure your loved one’s safety in emergencies. We also have backup caregivers available for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Do you offer specialized care for conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia?
Yes, we have caregivers with specialized training and experience in providing care for clients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- What is the process for creating a care plan?
We start with a thorough assessment of your needs and preferences. Then, we work together with the family and other health care professionals on your care team to develop a personalized care plan that evolves as your needs change.
- Can I get references from other clients?
Of course, we can provide references from satisfied clients who have experienced our compassionate and reliable care.
- Do you offer any support for family members or caregivers?
Yes, we understand the challenges caregivers face, and we provide resources, respite care, and support to family members as well.
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