Copyright © 2007-2008
All Rights Reserved
CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is private-duty home care?
A: A private-duty home caregiver comes to your home and assists you or your loved one with personal care needs such as eating, cleaning and bathing. They also provide companionship, respite care, and homemaking duties so that staying at home is a safe viable option. Our aides can even assist in physical therapy exercises and transportation needs.
Q: Who is qualified to operate or manage a private-duty home care agency?
A: In Michigan, there are currently no standard requirements to operate or manage a home care agency. Anyone may provide services, which makes it imperative to research home care agencies. You want to select an agency that is bonded, insured, and managed by medical personnel such as us. Management persons should have home care experience and possess thorough knowledge of medical and safety standards.
Q: How do I select the appropriate caregiver for my loved one?
A: One of our nurses will come to your home and provide a free initial assessment of the family and clients' needs. She will then match the caregiver's personality AND experience to the client's needs to satisfy both the emotional and medical wishes of the client. All of our caregivers are bonded, insured, and have an average of 5 years home care experience. Criminal background checks are performed on ALL employees.
Q: What is "continuum of care"?
A: It is our unique ability to meet a client's changing needs. A client may initially want companionship and only limited personal care, but as the physical and emotional needs of the client change, our experienced nurses and caregivers reassess and provide a more comprehensive care plan. This means that the client does not have to change home care agencies or be forced to choose less desirable options of moving away from home.
Q: How do I know if my loved one or I can stay safely at home?
A: Our nurse will provide you with an honest and thorough client care assessment. Sometimes the nurse will suggest alternative living arrangements, such as assisted living, if she believes the client would be safer and happier to NOT stay at home. Care Connections has MEDICALLY TRAINED employees capable of providing this security net. Other agencies cannot provide this needed service.
Q: What happens if my regular caregiver is sick?
A: Our team approach ensures a back-up caregiver is available who is familiar with the client. We make every attempt to keep the same caregiver(s) in a client's home to provide comfort and safety. Our on-call service is available 24/7 and is backed by a nurse who knows Care Connections' clients.
Q: Who bears the cost of this service?
A: Clients may have Long-Term Care, Worker's Compensation, Auto, Disability, and Private Insurance that will help pay for services. We help you in every way by working with your insurance company to secure payment. We also accept Tri-County-On-Aging, (TCOA) Medicaid waiver patients. Finally, the client, family, or a trust fund may also pay Care Connections directly.
Q: How much does home care cost?
A: The nurse will assess the client's needs at the free initial home visit. She will then discuss the rate of pay, and answer any questions related to billing and invoice practices.
Q: How many hours of care can be provided?
A: From 2 hours a week to 24 hours a day of continuous care. The time you or your loved one needs may vary, and Care Connections will adjust both the level and amount of care according to your individual needs. We can provide 1 hour to 24 hour daily care as needed.
Q: What makes Care Connections different from other agencies?
A: We are locally owned by a physician and managed by a compassionate registered nurse with many years of experience in home care, specializing in elder care and senior care. She has over 15 years of home care experience in the Lansing region, and will provide a list of community programs/support groups that will complement any care provided at home. Our team is well qualified to create a secure and safe home care plan for you. We adjust to our clients' changing needs, provide local community resources, and coordinate your individualized benefits. Finally, because our staff is MEDICALLY TRAINED, we work easily along with Medicare or skilled home care and hospice care when needed.