“After interviewing several home care providers to help provide services for my wife, we selected Homecare California. Greg and Lisa impressed us with their warm caring attitude and with their integrity. Kim, the in home care giver assigned to us, is also a warm, caring, compassionate woman. My wife quickly felt very comfortable having Claire assist her. They have been very accommodating when we have had to make changes to our schedule.” Kip Corchran, San Jose
Q: How does in-home care differ from institutional care?
Q: How do I find out if this is the right option for me?
Q: Do you charge for an initial in-home consultation?
Q: How do you ensure that care remains consistent with my wishes?
Q: Will my health insurance, Medicare, or Medi-Cal pay for your services?
Q: Why should I use your organization instead of hiring a caregiver directly?
Q: Do I have to make any long term commitment or sign a long-term contract?
Q: How do you select your caregivers?
Q: Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
Q: Am I protected from liability for workers compensation, unemployment or employment taxes?
Q: Do you provide services in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities and other locations?
Q: Can my caregiver provide transportation?
Q: Do I need a physician’s authorization/prescription?
Q: Can my caregiver assist with medications, injections, medical advice or assistance?
Q: What happens if my caregiver is ill or cannot make an appointment due to an emergency?
Q: What happens if I want to switch caregivers?
Q: What is respite care?
Q: How do I get started?
Q: How does in-home care differ from institutional care?
Most seniors receiving care would agree that in-home care is their preferred option. Most of the reasons are fairly obvious – such as the emotional value of remaining in familiar surroundings – but there are other benefits that aren’t always so well understood.
Q: How do I find out if this is the right option for me?
A telephone conversation is the easiest and fastest way for you to explain your needs and to quickly determine if in-home care is the right option. We’re happy to spend the time necessary to help you get the right care you need. Call us toll free at 866-949-2329.
Q: Do you charge for an initial in-home consultation?
No. Following an initial phone conversation to determine whether our services may fit your needs, we will schedule a free in-person, no-obligation consultation with our Executive Director and case manager. We will meet you at a location most comfortable for you – typically at the home of the person to receive care. This meeting typically lasts 30-60 minutes in order to fully understand your requirements. This consultation step is crucial because it leads to the development of the Plan of Care.
Q: How do you ensure that care remains consistent with my wishes?
Together we create a comprehensive Plan of Care document that outlines the wishes of our clients to all Homecare California employees involved in the care process: the Executive Director, case manager and caregiver. All information regarding the consultation and Plan of Care is included in a Client Care Folder which is reviewed with all caregivers and remains conveniently accessible in your home at all times.
Ongoing monitoring and documentation of care provides the means to make sure we are meeting your objectives and to ensure that care is properly supervised. We provide weekly Care Notes (sometimes referred to as Nursing Notes) that are used as a means of communicating about activities and, if desired, as documentation for Long Term Care Insurance policies.
Q: Will my health insurance, Medicare, or Medi-Cal pay for your services?
Unfortunately at this time, non-medical in-home care is not eligible for health insurance benefits, Medicare or Medi-Cal. However some Long-Term Care Insurance policies will pay for these services. Each policy is different so please check your specific policy or contact your insurance agent to determine if your coverage is eligible for reimbursement. We can provide the documentation (Care/Nursing Notes) to assist your filing for reimbursement.
Q: Why should I use your organization instead of hiring a caregiver directly?
Q: Do I have to make any long term commitment or sign a long-term contract?
No. You are under no obligation to continue services for any period of time. We do ask that you provide us with 24-hour notice for a cancellation of an upcoming caregiving visit.
Q: How do you select your caregivers?
As a Certified Home Care Aide Organization by the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), we meet requirements for a range of criteria including pre-employment background screening, worker’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, bonding, and tuberculosis screening. To understand our approach and selection criteria in greater detail, please see our Caregivers page.
Q: Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
Yes, all of our caregivers are bonded, insured, employed by Homecare California, covered by worker’s compensation and unemployment taxes, and are rigorously screened.
Q: Am I protected from liability for workers compensation, unemployment or employment taxes?
Yes. One of the primary benefits of utilizing Homecare California is our client protection from these types of liabilities and penalties which can be quite substantial.
Q: Do you provide services in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities and other locations?
Yes. Homecare California caregivers provide services where you need them, when you need them.
Q: Can my caregiver provide transportation?
Yes, with your authorization, our caregivers can drive you to whatever destination you desire such as doctor’s appointments, shopping, recreational activities, errands, etc.
Q: Do I need a physician’s authorization/prescription?
No. There is no pre-authorization or prescription required. If you have Long Term Care Insurance coverage and want to ensure that services will be covered, we recommend confirming this with your carrier.
Q: Can my caregiver assist with medications, injections, medical advice or assistance?
For your safety and protection (as well as our adherence to the law), our caregivers cannot administer medical services. Your caregiver can remind you to take your medications; however, they cannot physically administer any medications to you including injections or other similar treatments.
Q: What happens if my caregiver is ill or cannot make an appointment due to an emergency?
In the event of a caregiver illness or other conflict, we will provide a comparable temporary replacement. Restoring services from your primary caregiver is our highest priority once their illness has subsided such that they are safe to provide care.
Q: What happens if I want to switch caregivers?
Your satisfaction is our most important objective and we strive to get the fit right the first time. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will find the right fit for you. If for any reason we cannot meet your immediate needs we will work with another organization to fill your needs. We are here to serve you, whatever it takes.
Q: What is respite care?
Respite care is designed to provide relief for a family member or close friend that is providing primary care. Primary caregivers often need a break from caregiving to rest, replenish their energy, as well as to avoid depression and burnout commonly associated with continuous care. Respite care allows the primary caregiver peace of mind that their loved one’s care is in the hands of a qualified professional.
Q: How do I get started?
It’s easy… just contact us by phone at 1-866-949-2329 or send us an email. Were here to answer your questions and explain our services. And if you’re interested, we can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation in-home evaluation.
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