1. What services can the caregivers provide?
The caregivers can provide many services in the home such as fixing meals, laundry and light housekeeping, including changing bed linens; assisting with personal care such as bathing, dressing or toileting; medication reminders, and running errands such as grocery shopping or pharmacy. They also assist with walking and mobility, and can accompany the client to medical or other appointments. Sometimes busy or out- of- town families want a caregiver to visit with mom or dad for part of the day to check in on them and keep them company – whether playing cards, going for a walk, or preparing and sharing a meal . Caregivers also provide relief for family caregivers so they can have some “time off”.
2. What are the shift hours — when can I have services?
Services are provided when you want them. You tell us what days and times you would like a caregiver at your home. Services are available from 2 hours to around the clock.
3. Can I choose my caregiver?
Yes. Before starting services, a home care supervisor will visit with the client and family to get a better understanding of their needs, preferences and desired schedule. Based on that information, the supervisor will identify some possible caregivers for the family or client to interview. Once you or your loved one selects their caregiver, that caregiver will be assigned to you. Different caregivers will not rotate through your home. If at any time you want a different caregiver for any reason, all it takes is one quick call to the office!
4. Who pays for these services?
Because the home care we provide is not “medical”, Medicare and health insurance do not cover these services. The majority of non-medical home care is paid for out-of- pocket by the client or family. However, most long term care insurance policies, as well as Arizona’s Medicaid long term care program, ALTCS (the Arizona Long Term Care System) do cover our services. We will be glad to assist you in reviewing your long term care policy to see if our services are covered. Our Care Managers can assist you in determining whether there are any payers or insurers who can help pay for your services. We are contracted with all of the ALTCS health plans.
5. How much do services cost?
The cost of our services is very reasonable and is competitive with other agencies in the Phoenix metro area. In order to provide you with the rate, we start with a phone call to learn more about your loved one’s condition and needs. Our home care supervisors can assist you in planning a schedule that will be affordable and meet the needs of you or your loved one.
6. What qualifications do caregivers have?
Most of our caregivers come to us having worked as caregivers before, including caring for their own family members and loved ones. All caregivers must complete special training on providing in-home care, and pass extensive written and skills tests. Our training program meets and exceeds the requirements established by the State of Arizona for home care providers. In addition, our caregivers are certified in CPR and First Aid. They must pass a national background check and have a fingerprint clearance card. Our caregivers are caring, compassionate, reliable people who enjoy helping others.
7. What happens if I am receiving services and there is an emergency after hours?
There is a supervisor on-call around the clock to assist you.
8. Do I have to sign a contract or commit to these services for a certain period of time?
No, there is no contract required. In the very unlikely event that you sign up for services and change your mind a few days later, there is no problem. Many other agencies require a contract, but we do not.
9. Are these services only for seniors?
No, we provide services to all ages. Although many of our clients are seniors, we also provide services to people who have had their activity or ability to perform daily living tasks limited by illness, injury or surgery, or may have chronic conditions that cause them to require assistance.
10. What is the difference between home health and the kind of homecare that Care Corner provides?
Home health care is provided by nurses and other clinical personnel. They generally provide services based on physician orders. Although some of our staff are clinically trained, we provide what is considered “non-medical service” that does not require clinical personnel. Our services do not require a physician’s orders.
11. Would I ever want to have Care Corner’s services in addition to home health or hospice?
Yes. We work closely with home health and hospice agencies. We provide a different type of service. In general, hospice and home health do not provide staff that can be in the home for long hours, such as all day or night; insurance and Medicare tend to cover “visits”. In addition, the services we provide — such as bathing, meal preparation or companionship — do not require a nurse or licensed medical personnel.
