Home Care FAQs

What is home care?
Home care is the assistance with activities of daily living, the common things that a healthy person would do for him/herself on a daily basis. This would include personal care (bathing, dressing, help with the bathroom), light housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, meal preparation, transportation, running errands and medication reminders. It also consists of things like supervision and companionship. 
Home care differs from home health care which is intermittent care provided on a short term basis that addresses medical needs such as in home nursing care, wound care, or physical therapy. 

Where can home care be provided?
Home care can be provided to someone in a private residence, assisted living facility, rehabilitation facility, nursing home, or hospital. 

What are some indicators that someone might need home care?
Everyone ages at a different rate and many people can remain independent well into their 80's. Some things to look for when visiting an elderly loved one include: Is the house tidy? Do they have adequate groceries (not just frozen dinners)? Have you noticed any weight loss? Has personal hygiene declined? Are there any concerns with memory? Is driving an issue? These are just a few things to consider. 

Sometimes the need for assistance is sudden - a recent fall or unexpected illness. But most often needs arise gradually as loved ones age. When life's circumstances put you or a loved one in the position of needing assistance home care could be right for you or your loved one.

Is home care covered by my medical insurance (Medicare)?
If your doctor has prescribed clinical help that would be administered by a registered nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist, this care is medical and would typically be covered by Medicare. Also, while under the care of an in-home clinician, a home health aide or other caregiver can be assigned under Medicare coverage for bathing and certain other types of personal care. Medicare will not pay if you need help with activities of daily living such as non-prescribed personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders and housekeeping. The only insurance that does cover these services is long-term care insurance, which is privately purchased. These services may also be covered by certain veteran's benefits. If you have questions about long term care insurance or veteran's benefits, please contact us for assistance.

How do you select your caregivers?
We only hire experienced caregivers. We have an extensive screening process that includes thorough background, employment history, and reference checks. We only hire caregivers that we would trust in our own homes with our own families. All of our caregivers are bonded and insured. 

Can you administer medications?
Medication reminders is one of the many important services that we provide. Our caregivers ensure that all medications are taken appropriately and timely. A family member or nurse prepares the daily, weekly, or monthly pill reminder box and we take it from there.