Care Advantage offers reliable, high-quality healthcare services for you or your loved ones. Here are a few common questions to help you make an educated decision about the best care option for you.
Still have questions? Contact us today. We are here for you.
How do I find a caregiver?
The two most common ways of finding an in-home caregiver are to go through an agency such as Care Advantage or get a referral from a friend or loved one. Hiring privately can come with a number of challenges, including:
- Investing time in screening and supervising
- Hidden costs and legal obligations
- Employer responsibilities such as taxes
- Liabilities such as injury when lifting
What are the advantages of going through an agency?
Agencies such as Care Advantage take care of the obligations that would otherwise fall on you. Our caregivers are our employees, so we manage taxes and payroll. We are also bonded and insured so that you are not liable for the caregiver in your home. Finally, we provide flexibility and consistency you wouldn’t otherwise find on the private market. For instance, if a caregiver calls out sick one day, our network of caregivers is extremely deep, so in most cases we are able to cover all shifts at short notice – giving you peace of mind that you will have the care when you need it.
How do I pay for long-term care?
There are a variety of ways to pay for long-term care, which vary with the kind of care you need and other personal circumstances. Along with privately, four common resources that may help you pay for care include long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, veteran benefits, and life insurance.
Will Medicare cover the cost of caregiving or in-home companionship?
Medicare will not cover the cost of custodial care, even with supplemental insurance. Medicare DOES cover claims for skilled care, but many people require more services than what is covered by their insurance in order to remain independent at home. Only long-term care insurance provides this custodial and supportive care.
What is the difference between a PCA (personal care aide) services and skilled nursing?
PCAs and home health aides provide in-home companion and support services that are not medical in nature. PCAs may provide shopping, laundry, errands, meal preparation, or light housekeeping. They also provide companionship, play games, offer conversation, and other socialization needs. PCAs may also provide home care services such as bathing, dressing and grooming, or remind clients about taking medications. PCAs do not provide medical advice, administer medication, or develop care plans.
Skilled nurses (RNs and LPNs) are highly trained medical professionals who offer quality medical services in the home, including physical examinations, vital signs, wound care, medication management, IV monitoring, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other services that you might find in healthcare facilities such as assisted living communities or memory care units.
What are your minimum hours or pricing?
We have a four-hour shift minimum, but otherwise we strive for flexibility for our clients. Some clients only need our services for four hours a day, some need us for twelve hours a day, three times a week, some need us full time, and some need us only on weekends. We are happy to customize a care plan that works best for you and your family.
Do you offer overnight care?
Yes. We are here to work with our clients when they need us. We can accommodate overnight care if required.
What can you do? What can’t you do?
We offer a continuum of services for in-home care. Our PCAs and home health aides provide companionship, help with light housework, grocery shopping, help with dressing or bathing, and offer reminders about medications.
Meanwhile, our skilled nursing and therapy teams are able to provide most of the medical services you would find in a hospital setting.
