Q: Is it better to hire a caregiver directly?

A: Safety, qualifications and convenience are the main concerns here. We interview, screen, and reference check our caregivers. We have had many years of experience in choosing those caregivers that will work well. 

 

In addition, if the caregiver is ill or goes on vacation we can provide a substitute. If you hire directly you are required by law to pay payroll taxes and provide employment insurances. We are there to take care of any discrepancies in performance. We have many years of experience providing services to seniors and supervising caregivers to ensure that the client is satisfied.

 

Q: What makes Attentive Care better than other home care services?

A: We are a locally owned and operated licensed home health care service with more than 35 years of experience. We are licensed by New York State Department of Health. We have been deficiency free for many years as shown by our Department of Health survey outcomes, which are available at our offices.

​

As a licensed home care agency our caregivers can provide hands on care. According to New York State regulations hands on care consists of assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, medication reminders, and taking medication. A companion service is not permitted by regulation to provide hands on care.

 

Q: What hours of service can be provided?

A: We can provide any number of hours of service from a visit to live-in. We can provide mornings, afternoons, hourly, weekends, or live-in; one day to seven days a week.

 

Q: How do you select your caregivers?

A: Caregivers are screened and bonded, and their background is carefully reviewed. They come into our office for a one-on-one interview and screening process. They are tested and qualified as a personal care aide, certified home health aide, or as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.

 

They are then evaluated by our coordinator to be the right fit. We are careful to send a caregiver, who can provide the services you need according to the plan of care. Then we orient the caregiver to your specific needs and requirements. In addition, caregivers are required to attend in-service training on a regular basis. We provide on-the-job instruction as needed to be sure that care is excellent.

 

Q: Does the caregiver help with activities of daily living?

A: As a licensed home care service provider our Personal Caregivers are trained and legally qualified to provide support in activities of daily living included in which are bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, ambulation, preparing light meals, preparing cloths for dressing, reminding to take medications and accompanying to the doctors’ appointments and organizing the home.   

 

Q: What Does the Personal Care Aide and Home Health Aide Training Course include?

A: Our approved training courses include instruction on all of the medical services our caregivers are allowed to do. This includes instruction on medication reminders, monitoring diet, emergencies, and other health procedures.

 

Q: Do I pay the Caregiver?

A: No. We pay the caregiver. There should be no exchange of money with the caregiver. Tipping is not permitted. Gifts are not permitted. As the employer we pay the caregiver on a weekly basis. As the employer we take care of all the payroll taxes and insurances. We will accept insurance payments if insurance is available. We will confirm coverage with your insurance company prior to the start of service. Insurance may pay for Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides as well.

 

Q: Does insurance pay for services?

A: If skilled nursing services, (the need for LPN or RN care) are indicated, and insurance is available we will accept insurance payments. We will confirm coverage with your insurance coverage company prior to services beginning. Unpaid balances if not paid by insurance are payable by the client.

​

Q: When do I pay for the services?

A: When we do our initial evaluation you will be asked to provide an advance payment for services to be provided for the first week. Thereafter, you will be billed on a weekly basis for services the previous week. Invoices are payable upon receipt. When services end any unused part of an advance payment will be refunded.

​

Q: What if someone needs a caregiver but does not live at home?

A: Services are available at the patient’s home, in a nursing home, at the hospital, and at assisted living facilities.

 

Q: Do you only serve seniors?

A: No. We serve all ages of clients from mothers with a new born, those recovering from illness or injuries or people with long term needs.

 

Q: What don’t you provide?

A: Our caregivers do not provide home repair of any kind, maid services, landscaping services, window washing, full heavy house cleaning or work that involves ladders or dangerous situations. We do not provide services for other people in the home. We can, however, arrange for other ancillary services that are needed in the home that we do not provide.