Home Care and Companion Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should we contact Family Care Solutions?
You can call us at any time. The earlier the better. We always like to meet our clients before we start providing care. If you can give us a few days notice that usually works best. It gives us a chance to do a detailed assessment and gives the family a chance to meet us and ask questions they may have.
There are many aspects to creating a positive outcome. One of the most important is having a good client - caregiver match. Allowing for the time needed to make a detailed assessment and to meet the client and family means we are that much further ahead in being able to make the best possible caregiver match.
2. Is there a charge for the initial assessment?
First, we provide a free consultation to the family in our office, at the family’s home or any location of the family’s choosing such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice in-patient facility. This family meeting provides an opportunity for the family to ask questions and learn more about our services and other community resources that may be helpful to them.
After the family meeting, if the family chooses Family Care Solutions to provide care services, a client assessment is performed by one of our nursing staff. There is $35.00 charge for the client assessment. The Nurse meets with the care receiver and the family to discuss care requirements and objectives. A thorough medication review is also performed.
If a client is returning home from the hospital, the Nurse will usually go to the home, assess it for safety and accessibility, and where necessary, make recommendations for changes intended to help make the return home as comfortable and safe as possible.
3. Do you see people in the hospital and retirement homes as well as in their own homes?
Yes. We often find that families want, or need supplemental care in a hospital, nursing home or assisted living community.
4. What happens if we end up needing less care than we thought we would?
For clients returning home from the hospital, we often start off providing anywhere from 8 hours to 24 hours of care (depending on the situation). Once the family is settled and a routine has been established, it's not unusual for us to actually recommend a reduction in hours of care.
5. What happens if we end up needing more care?
Client's care needs often change during the time we are with them. Some of our clients are with us for a very short period of time, usually to help them recuperate after a fall, surgery or an illness. We also have long term clients who have been with us for a number of years. Making sure the appropriate amount of care is provided as their needs change, is part of our responsibility.
6. Is there a minimum number of hours you'll arrange care for?
Yes, the minimum number of hours for a single shift is 3. We provide care up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, no contract is required and services can be discontinued or put on hold at any time.
7. How many hours of care do clients typically need?
Everyone is different. Some clients only require 3 hours every other day for a few weeks, others need care 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The care required depends on a number of factors: the client's health, the client's level of activity and expectations, family support available and, if they're not at home, the environment (nursing home or hospital, and what kind of care the facility is able to provide).
8. What if we need other services or resources in the home?
Family Care Solutions works with a variety of community partners. Our staff is knowledgeable of a wide array of resources and benefits. Just ask to speak with a Community Outreach Specialist for assistance.
9. Is Home Care covered by Long Term Care Insurance?
Most long term care insurance polices pay for home care services. Family Care Solutions will review your policy and will assist you with the insurance process from start to finish. Often there is a co-pay or specific amount to be paid out of pocket before the Long Term Care insurance will begin paying for services.
10. Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits?
No. Medicare will not cover Home Care services.
Yes. Medicaid will pay some or all of of your Home Care services if you qualify for Medicaid Programs, such as Community Care Services (CCSP) or SOURCE. Family Care Solutions will assist you with the referral process.
Yes. VA may pay for services for veterans who qualify for Home Care. Family Care Solutions is contracted to provide services to veterans and their families. Family Care Solutions will assist you with the referral process.
©Ernest Charles & Company 2009
