About Home Care Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started With Home Care
What is home care?
Home care is a range of supportive services provided in the comfort of a person's home. Depending on an individual's needs, home care may include companionship, assistance with daily activities, personal care, skilled nursing, memory care, care management, and transitional care after a hospital stay.
What is the difference between home care and home health care?
Home care focuses on helping individuals remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home through assistance with daily activities and companionship. Home health care typically involves clinical services provided by licensed healthcare professionals, such as skilled nursing, wound care, medication management, and therapy services.
How do I know if my loved one needs home care?
Signs that home care may be beneficial include:
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Difficulty managing daily tasks
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Frequent falls or mobility concerns
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Memory loss or confusion
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Missed medications
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Poor nutrition or weight loss
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Increased isolation or loneliness
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Difficulty recovering after hospitalization
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Family caregiver burnout
A professional assessment can help determine the appropriate level of care.
What services are included in home care?
Home care services may include:
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Companion care
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Personal care assistance
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Skilled nursing care
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Memory care
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Transitional care
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Care management
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Overnight care
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Respite care
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Medication reminders
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Meal preparation
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Transportation assistance
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Light housekeeping
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Mobility support
Services may vary by location.
Can home care services be customized?
Absolutely. Care plans are tailored to each individual's needs, preferences, health conditions, goals, and family circumstances. Services can be adjusted as needs change over time.
How do I get started with home care services?
Getting started typically involves:
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Scheduling a consultation.
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Completing a care assessment.
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Developing a personalized care plan.
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Matching the client with appropriate caregivers or healthcare professionals.
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Beginning services and adjusting the plan as needed.
What happens during a home care assessment?
A home care assessment typically evaluates:
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Mobility and fall risk
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Medical conditions
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Medication requirements
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Cognitive health
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Personal care needs
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Home safety concerns
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Family support systems
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Care goals and preferences
The information is used to create a personalized care plan.
Do care plans change over time?
Yes. Care plans are designed to evolve as needs change.
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A client may initially require only Companion Care, but later add:
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Hands-On Care
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Memory Care
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Skilled Nursing
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Overnight Care
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Care Management
The goal is to provide the appropriate level of support at every stage.
Why choose professional home care services?
Professional home care services provide:
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Personalized care plans
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Experienced caregivers and healthcare professionals
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Increased safety and independence
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Family support and peace of mind
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Improved quality of life
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Continuity of care
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Flexible service options
The goal is to help individuals live safely, comfortably, and confidently in the place they call home.
How much does home care cost?
The cost of home care varies depending on factors such as the type of care needed, the number of hours required, the level of support provided, and the client's location. A consultation can help determine the most appropriate care plan and associated costs.
Companion Care & Personal Care
What is companion care?
Companion care provides social interaction and non-medical support for seniors and adults who need assistance with daily living. Services often include conversation, transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, recreational activities, and help attending appointments.
What's the difference between Companion Care and Hands-On Care?
Companion Care focuses on social engagement, household support, transportation, meal preparation, and assistance with daily routines.
Hands-On Care includes physical assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility support, transfers, and personal hygiene.
Many clients begin with Companion Care and later transition to Hands-On Care as their needs change.
Does my loved one need Companion Care or Skilled Nursing?
If your loved one primarily needs help with daily activities, transportation, meals, housekeeping, or companionship, Companion Care may be appropriate.
If they require wound care, medication administration, catheter care, diabetes management, injections, or other medical services, Skilled Nursing may be necessary.
A care assessment can help determine the most appropriate level of support.
Skilled Nursing & Medical Care
What is skilled nursing care at home?
Skilled nursing care involves medical services provided by licensed nurses in the home. These services may include:
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Medication administration
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Wound care
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Chronic disease management
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Diabetes management
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Catheter care
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Ventilator care
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Pain management
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Wellness visits
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Palliative care support
Skilled nursing helps individuals receive clinical care without leaving home.
What's the difference between personal care and skilled nursing care?
Personal care focuses on assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. Skilled Nursing involves medical services performed by licensed healthcare professionals, such as wound care, injections, medication administration, and disease management.
What conditions commonly require Skilled Nursing at home?
Skilled Nursing is often used for individuals managing:
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Diabetes
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Heart disease
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COPD
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Stroke recovery
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Parkinson's disease
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Cancer treatment recovery
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Wound healing
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Post-surgical recovery
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Catheter management
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Feeding tube support
Can a nurse come to my home after surgery?
Yes. Skilled nursing and transitional care services can help support recovery after surgery. Care may include medication management, wound care, monitoring vital signs, coordination with physicians, and assistance with rehabilitation plans.
Can a nurse manage medications at home?
Yes. Skilled nurses can assist with medication administration, medication management, injections, monitoring side effects, and helping ensure medications are taken correctly according to physician's instructions
Transitional Care & Recovery
What is transitional care?
Transitional care helps patients safely recover after being discharged from a hospital, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing facility. The goal is to reduce complications and hospital readmissions while supporting a successful recovery at home.
How does transitional care help prevent hospital readmissions?
Transitional care provides ongoing monitoring, medication management, care coordination, and support services that help patients follow discharge instructions and identify potential health concerns before they become emergencies.
How does Transitional Care help after a hospital stay?
Transitional Care bridges the gap between hospital discharge and recovery at home.
Services may include:
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Medication management
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Monitoring vital signs
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Coordinating follow-up appointments
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Wound care
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Skilled nursing support
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Physical therapy coordination
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Recovery monitoring
These services can help reduce the risk of hospital readmission.
How soon can care begin after a hospital discharge?
Many families contact a home care provider before discharge planning is complete.
Depending on availability and care needs, services can often begin within days of returning home to ensure a smooth transition and continuous support.
Can home care help after a stroke?
Yes. Home care following a stroke may include Skilled Nursing, medication management, mobility support, personal care assistance, therapy coordination, and ongoing monitoring during recovery.
Memory Care, Alzheimer's & Dementia
What is memory care?
Memory care is specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive conditions. Memory care professionals help manage daily activities, encourage cognitive engagement, improve safety, and provide compassionate support for both patients and families.
Do you provide Alzheimer's and dementia care at home?
Yes. Memory care services are designed to support individuals experiencing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Care plans are personalized to address cognitive challenges, daily living needs, safety concerns, and family support requirements.
What are the benefits of in-home dementia care?
Benefits of in-home dementia care include:
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Familiar surroundings
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Personalized routines
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Reduced stress and confusion
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Improved safety monitoring
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One-on-one attention
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Family involvement in care planning
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Enhanced quality of life
Can someone with Alzheimer's continue living at home instead of moving into a memory care facility?
Many individuals with Alzheimer's disease can safely remain at home with the appropriate combination of Memory Care, Companion Care, Hands-On Care, and family support. The decision often depends on safety concerns, wandering risk, behavioral symptoms, and the amount of supervision required.
Can someone with dementia remain safely at home?
Many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can continue living at home with the right support system in place.
Memory Care services can help with:
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Wandering prevention
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Medication reminders
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Structured routines
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Fall prevention
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Cognitive engagement
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Personal care assistance
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Family caregiver support
The appropriate care plan depends on the stage of dementia and the individual's specific needs.
What is the difference between dementia care and Alzheimer's care?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Memory Care services are designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer's disease as well as other forms of dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
What stage of dementia typically requires Memory Care?
Memory Care may be beneficial whenever cognitive decline begins affecting safety, judgment, daily activities, medication management, or personal care.
Families often seek Memory Care when they notice:
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Repeated confusion
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Missed medications
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Wandering behaviors
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Increased falls
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Difficulty managing personal hygiene
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Challenges preparing meals
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Behavioral changes
Care Management
What is care management?
Care management is a comprehensive service that helps individuals and families navigate complex healthcare needs. Care managers coordinate care plans, advocate during medical appointments, monitor health changes, and connect clients with appropriate resources and services.
When should I consider hiring a care manager?
Care management may be beneficial when:
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A loved one has multiple medical conditions
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Family members live far away
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Healthcare decisions become overwhelming
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Frequent hospitalizations occur
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Long-term care planning is needed
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Multiple providers are involved in treatment
When should a family hire a Care Manager?
Care Management is often helpful when:
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Family members live in different cities or states
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Multiple specialists are involved
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Medical decisions become overwhelming
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A loved one's condition is rapidly changing
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Family members disagree about care needs
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Long-term planning becomes complicated
What services are available for seniors who live far away from their family?
Care Management services can help families stay informed by coordinating care, attending appointments, communicating with providers, monitoring changes, and providing regular updates to family members who do not live nearby.
Overnight Care & Respite Care
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers. Whether for a few hours, a weekend, or an extended period, respite care allows caregivers to rest while ensuring their loved one continues receiving quality care.
How often can respite care services be scheduled?
Respite care can often be arranged on a flexible basis depending on the client's needs and caregiver preferences. Services may be scheduled regularly or used occasionally during vacations, medical appointments, or personal commitments.
When should a family consider respite care?
Families often seek respite care when a primary caregiver is experiencing burnout, planning a vacation, managing their own health needs, returning to work, or simply needing regular time away to recharge.
What services are included in Overnight Care?
Overnight Care may include:
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Fall prevention assistance
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Bathroom assistance
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Medication reminders
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Mobility support
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Monitoring chronic health conditions
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Assistance with repositioning
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Meal preparation
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Personal care support
Is overnight care available for seniors living alone?
Yes. Overnight care can provide peace of mind for seniors and their families by ensuring someone is available to assist with nighttime needs and emergencies.
How do I know if my loved one needs Overnight Care?
Families often consider Overnight Care when a loved one:
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Wanders at night
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Has dementia
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Is at high risk for falls
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Requires frequent bathroom assistance
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Is recovering from surgery
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Has mobility limitations
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Lives alone with complex medical needs
Chronic Conditions & Specialized Care
Can home care support someone with Parkinson's disease?
Families often seek respite care when a primary caregiver is experiencing burnout, planning a vacation, managing their own health needs, returning to work, or simply needing regular time away to recharge.
Can home care support someone with Parkinson's disease?
Yes. Depending on the individual's needs, services may include:
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Mobility assistance
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Fall prevention
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Medication reminders
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Personal care
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Meal preparation
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Skilled Nursing
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Companion Care
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Care Management
Support plans can be tailored as Parkinson's symptoms progress.
How can home care help someone with a chronic illness?
Individuals managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or cancer may benefit from ongoing support with medications, symptom monitoring, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, and nursing services.
Can home care provide support for hospice or palliative care patients?
Home care services can complement hospice and palliative care programs by providing companionship, personal care, assistance with daily activities, family support, and additional comfort-focused services.
Safety, Independence & Aging at Home
Can home care help seniors remain independent longer?
Yes. Home care is specifically designed to support independence while helping individuals remain safe in their own homes. Personalized care plans focus on maintaining dignity, mobility, and quality of life
What should families do when a parent refuses help at home?
It is common for older adults to resist care initially. Families often find success by introducing Companion Care first, focusing on maintaining independence rather than emphasizing assistance. Starting with a few hours per week can help build trust and comfort.
How do you know when it's no longer safe for a senior to live alone?
Warning signs may include:
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Frequent falls
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Missed medications
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Unpaid bills
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Poor nutrition
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Wandering
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Memory loss
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Difficulty bathing or dressing
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Increased hospitalizations
A professional assessment can help determine whether additional support is needed.
What services can help reduce the risk of falls at home?
Depending on the individual's needs, services may include mobility assistance, personal care support, medication monitoring, overnight supervision, home safety recommendations, and regular wellness checks
Can caregivers accompany clients to doctors' appointments?
Yes. Depending on the care plan, caregivers may provide transportation, accompany clients to appointments, take notes, communicate updates to family members, and help coordinate follow-up care.
What happens if my loved one's care needs increase over time?
Care plans can be adjusted as circumstances change. Many clients begin with companionship and gradually add Hands-On Care, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, or Overnight Care as their health needs evolve.
Can home care help prevent nursing home placement?
In many situations, yes.
By providing assistance with daily activities, personal care, medication management, nursing support, and safety monitoring, home care can help individuals remain in their homes longer while maintaining quality of life.
What services are most commonly requested for aging parents?
Families commonly request:
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Companion Care
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Medication reminders
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Transportation to appointments
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Meal preparation
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Light housekeeping
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Memory Care
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Hands-On Care
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Overnight Care
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Skilled Nursing
The right combination depends on the individual's health and lifestyle needs.
Choosing a Home Care Provider
What questions should I ask when choosing a home care provider?
Families may want to ask:
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What services are available?
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How are caregivers screened and trained?
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Can care plans be customized?
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Is care available evenings and weekends?
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How are emergencies handled?
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Are nursing services available if needs change?
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How is care quality monitored?
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Home Care
When reviewing care options for yourself or an aging loved one, there are many possibilities. Consider these frequently asked questions to determine the best option for yourself or your loved one.
What are some of the services offered at Caring People?
Caring People provides a wide range of care-based services, including Alzheimer’s and memory care, companion care, skilled nursing care, care management, and hands-on care. Our skilled professionals deliver the utmost care with empathy and commitment.
Are home health aides able to give medication?
Although it varies from state to state, most do not allow home health aides to administer medications. A home health aide can remind clients when to take their medication and open prescription bottles. Caring People offers a special medication management program for clients who require more assistance than a home health aide can provide.
What should I expect on the first day?
Our home health aide will arrive at your home on the first day of service with a complete understanding of your needs. You can also expect our nurse to meet with you on your first day of service to learn about your health needs, create your personalized plan of care, and to obtain authorization for our services.
How do home health aides get paid?
All home health aides are Caring People employees, who are paid directly by the agency every two weeks.
Does Medicare cover home care from Caring People?
As a private pay home care agency, we do not accept Medicare payments.
What are my options for paying?
Homecare can be paid for in a number of ways. Customers often pay for homecare services using ACH or credit card. ACH allows for direct debit from your checking account, eliminating the need to write and send checks. The use of credit cards will be subject to fees. Every two weeks, clients are charged for services.
Does my long-term care insurance cover my care?
If you have a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy, your first step should be to verify your coverage. You will need to determine if there is a deductible, what the criteria is for meeting it, as well as what your daily benefit is. The next step is to understand the limitations of using your health insurance policy to pay for your care. Navigating these benefits is a challenge, but members of our finance department can assist with verifying and maximizing the utilization of your benefits. A few of our locations accept an Assignment of Benefits. Our insurance specialist can assist you with reimbursement from your long-term care policy.
What are your screening procedures for employees?
In recognition of how stressful the process of allowing strangers in your home can be, we have developed a rigorous 5 step screening process for all our caregivers. We hire only home care professionals who are background checked and have experience in home care. The applicant must interview with several members of our team and provide recent, verifiable references. Applicants must also undergo competency testing and orientation conducted by the company. The screening process has proven to be effective, and we have an extremely high satisfaction rating.
If something comes up, can I change my service?
You come first. If anything should change ahead of your appointment, call us at 877-227-4649 and we will reschedule your service.
I am interested. How do I get started with home care services at Caring People?
Reach out to your nearest Caring People location or call 877-227-4649 for your free complimentary consultation. Upon your request, we will identify a caregiver who has the skills, personality, and availability to assist you. Once the caregiver has been approved, they will begin working for you.