FAQ
Q: Will I be able to meet with the caregiver before services begin?
A: Yes, after a careful assessment of your needs for home care, we will arrange an interview with the caregiver that has been chosen by our service who we believe will be capable of fulfilling your needs.
Q: How soon can I have a caregiver after the initial contact?
A: Within 24 hours or less, depending upon your circumstances.
Q: Will the caregiver be trained to care for my specific needs?
A: Competent Home Care Services will do their best to find a caregiver that has experience specific to your concerns.
Q: Will the rate go up on the weekend?
A: The rate for our service is the same 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Hourly rates change only during major holidays.
Q: Am I required to provide meals for the caregiver?
A: If you have a caregiver on an hourly basis then the answer is "no". However, if you have a live-in caregiver, then you are required to provide them meals only of the same foods that you would buy for yourself. Nothing special is required.
Q: Will the caregiver help with the housekeeping?
A: Our caregivers will treat your home as if it were their own by doing the laundry, vacuuming, mopping floors, keeping bathrooms clean, changing bed linens, etc.
Q: How much advance notice do you need to provide a live-in caregiver?
A: To provide a Live-In Caregiver, we ask that you would give us 24 hours to provide this service. The Live-In will need this time to get her affairs in order and to prepare herself for the job.
Q: Will someone from the Agency follow up with the caregiver and the client?
A: We will be in contact with our caregivers on a regular basis to see how things are going and if there are any changes that we need to know about. We will also be in contact with the client to ensure that their needs are being met.
Q: What happens when my caregiver needs time off?
A: The caregiver will call the Agency to request time off on a specific date. The Agency will then contact the client or family member to let them know that their caregiver will be taking time off, and that a caregiver of equal experience will replace her until their regular caregiver returns.
Q: How much advance notice will my caregiver provide when taking time off?
A: The caregiver will give the agency at least 1 week's notice, and a Live-In will usually provide at least 2 weeks notice.
Q: Will I have a replacement when my caregiver takes time off?
A: You will have a replacement that will be able to perform the same duties that your regular caregiver performs.
Q: What should the caregiver do in case of an emergency?
A: In the event of an emergency, the caregiver is to call 911 first and then call the Agency so someone in the office can contact the family or guardian.
Q: How many hours per day can I have a caregiver?
A: There is a minimum requirement of 4 hours service; otherwise you can have whatever is required, up to 24 hours per day.
Q: What time of day can I call for service?
A: Our office hours are from Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 PM; for emergency service, we are on call 24 hours per day.
Q: How long can I have the service of your caregivers?
A: You can use our services for as long as you may need them - weeks, months, even years.
Q: Can the caregiver accompany the patient to family functions, therapy, or doctor's appointments?
A: Yes. This is one of the unique services that our caregivers provide. They can accompany the patient to any family function, Doctor's appointment, or therapy session and stay with them in case their services or assistance is required.