Common Questions about Home Health?

 

Q: What does it mean that a home care agency is “licensed”?

A: Licensed home care agencies receive their license to provide services by the New York State Department of Health based on our adherence to the strict rules and regulations set out by the state. This is in stark contrast to “companion services” which are NOT licensed and are not allowed to do any functions that include contact with the client (i.e. bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, etc.).

 

Q: Are your aides “employees” or “independent contractors”?

A: All our staff are employees of the company and therefore are covered under the company’s workers compensation, disability insurance, and professional and general liability coverages. This translates to piece of mind for the clients as you do not have to worry about any exposure whatsoever.

 

Q: What services are included under “personal care”?

A: Personal Care includes all those activities of daily living (ADLs) which you may require such as bathing, grooming, dressing, mouth and nail care, transferring and ambulating, preparing meals and feeding, and assisting with medications.  Personal care also includes those services crucial to remaining at home such as light housekeeping, errands (such as mail and shopping), safety supervision and companion care.

 

Q: What hours of service are available?

A: Other than our 4-hour minimum requirement, we can provide service any time of day, for as many days as you would like.  We provide overnight hours for clients who need help in the middle of the night, and we provide live-in care as well.

 

Q: What is Live-in Care?

A: Live-in care is when the aide stays at your house for longer than 24 consecutive hours. She will sleep there, share your kitchen and utensils and provide all necessary personal care. She must be able to sleep at night and have rest periods during the day. When she needs a break Accredited will replace her for several days with another live-in caregiver until your primary live-in aide returns. For more information see our section about live-in care.

 

Q: Will my caregiver drive me?

A: Accredited permits the aides to drive the clients in certain situations. To learn more about about driving rules please call the office and speak to one of our staff members. We are happy to answer all your questions.

 

Q: Who supervises the aide to make sure everything is going well?

A: Accredited’s Nursing Supervisor, a registered nurse, supervises the field staff on an on-going basis based on the specific needs of your case.

 

Q: Will Medicare cover these services?

A: Medicare’s benefit will only cover personal care services if: (a) they are provided along with an additional “skilled service” such as Nursing, PT, OT, or Speech therapy; and (b) you are recovering from an acute illness, not a chronic, long-term illness. Medicare will NOT cover long-term care, it will only provide a few hours for a few day each week until you are recuperated. The government insurance program which covers long-term care needs is Medicaid.

 

Q: What is Medicaid and how do I get it?

A: Medicaid is a government insurance plan which covers individuals within certain income and asset limits. It is wise to look into whether you can qualify for Medicaid as it will cover the expense of long-term care insurance which can be rather costly. Accredited can help you find geriatric care managers, attorneys and Medicaid insurance companies that can further assist you in qualifying for Medicaid.

 

Q: What is Long Term Care Insurance and how do I get it?

A: Long term care insurance is insurance which an individual purchases to cover the costs for home care in the event that you become chronically ill. This illness may be caused by an incident which produces the need for assistance with activities of daily living needs, a cognitive impairment, or just simply the aging process which now requires you to have assistance with these activities. Accredited can recommend some of the better companies based on our experience or you may hire a broker to assist you.