Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Our case managers are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergencies, provide information, give in-home assessments or begin services. Call your nearest Home Attendant Care office and we’ll get started today.
Many people are unaware of the legal, tax, insurance and reporting liabilities that they assume when they hire a private caregiver. By using a licensed home care agency you are able to receive the quality care services you need while avoiding these additional burdens, which can be stressful, costly and time consuming. The licensed agency carefully screens caregivers, hires and maintains payroll responsibilities and provides all training and supervision. These are some of the reasons why people choose to work with a licensed agency for their care needs.
Client safety is our #1 priority. Our caregivers must be registered/certified nursing assistants and Home Attendant Care is fully insured and bonded. HAC verifies employment performance references of all applicants and then uses the Washington State Patrol to check each person’s background and criminal history prior to employment.
There are no start-up costs or deposits necessary. HAC will even provide a complimentary in-home evaluation of your care needs. Call us today to schedule an evaluation.
Being homebound is a requirement established by the federal government for individuals to receive home health care services paid for by Medicare. It is also a requirement of many private insurance companies. A person does not have to be bedridden to be considered “homebound.” However, leaving home should require a considerable, taxing, and tiring effort. The homebound person would require the assistance of another person or assistive devices to leave their home. Any absences from home must be very infrequent and for short periods of time. If these conditions were met and it was deemed medically necessary then Medicare would cover in home nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies.
It’s great to hear that you want to include your mother in family celebrations. Connection to family is very important and unfortunately many elderly living in nursing facilities or facing health struggles are often left out of the picture. My suggestion would be to hire a caregiver or nurse’s aide through a licensed agency who will escort your mom and provide for her care needs while she is with you. These agencies can also provide transportation to and from family gatherings, doctor appointments, shopping trips and even escort your family member on vacations.
Most home care agencies offer a variety of services. A licensed home care agency should provide a case manager who will visit your home and meet with you and/or your family. They will carefully review your personal situation, assess care giving needs and establish a plan of care that best meets your individual needs. Whether you need hourly visits, 12-hour shifts, 24-hour live-in care or some combination of these, you will also want to make sure the home care company is flexible and has the ability to meet your current and future care needs. In-home evaluations should be free of charge and will provide you with the information necessary to make the best choices for your home care needs.
In-home care services (personal care attendants) are paid for on an individual private pay basis or through long term care insurance policies. There are also in-home care benefits available through the VA, Labor and Industries and COPES, a State funded Medicaid program. Private insurance, worker’s compensation and personal payment options may also be available. Feel free to contact us about payment options your loved one may be eligible for.
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a home care agency. One of the first things to look for is longevity in the home care business. Experts agree that home care is currently one of the fastest growing industries. Many inexperienced individuals are starting up companies and then closing within just a few short years. Consider first looking for an experienced Washington State Department of Health licensed agency to meet your needs.
It has been our experience that caregivers, like everyone else, get sick, have child care issues and take vacations from time to time. Home Attendant Care actually recommends having 2-3 caregivers familiar with your wife’s needs so consistent care continues to be delivered through those times.
This is a very common question. As parents get older, children typically want to respect their need for independence. But it’s not uncommon to witness activities that make us question our parents’ ability to function safely. Simple tasks like taking medicine, cooking, bathing and getting dressed can become difficult and sometimes dangerous. Warning signs to look for include: confusion or disorganization with the administration of medication, leaving burners and the oven operating, frequent burning of foods, allowing foods to spoil, deterioration in personal hygiene, frequent loss of balance and difficulty standing after sitting. If you recognize any of these warning signs you may want to consult your physician or contact us for a complimentary in-home assessment.
Contact our Bellingham or Burlington offices today to schedule a complimentary in-home evaluation
