Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and how do you know that it is time to look for a home care service?
2. How do we know how much time is needed with the home care company?
3. Are you licensed?
4. How are CAREGivers selected?
5. Are your employees bonded and insured?
6. How do you train your CAREGivers?
7. What happens if my CAREGiver gets sick?
8. Do you provide senior services to those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities?
9. What makes Home Instead Senior Care different from other companies?
10. Who pays the CAREGiver, you or me?
11. Is there a fee for a consultation?
12. Do I need to sign a contract?
13. What are your rates? Does insurance cover this service?
14. Can I adjust a schedule once it's started?
15. If I have a complaint or problem who do I talk to?

When and how do you know that it is time to look for a home care service?
Most people prefer to live in their own homes where everything is familiar and safe. As we age and loose our mobility, eye sight, hearing and sometimes memory, our homes become our haven of security. Remaining independent is the highest priority for most seniors. Home care is usually needed when isolation leading to malnutrition and depression, or mismanagement of the many medications prescribed, cause health and safety issues to arise.

How do we know how much time is needed with the home care company?
Most people can benefit from the services provided by a home care company with as little as three hours two or three times a week. During that time, the CAREGiver can assist in bathing, do some laundry and housekeeping, and prepare meals that can be warmed up later. Many people use our services to take the client to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or even to get their hair done. Some require more assistance after surgery or illness. Our Client Relations Managers, including a Master's level Social Worker and Registered Nurses will meet with the client and family to prepare a care plan and decide what is needed. This is done without cost to the client.

Are you licensed?
Yes, we are licensed by the State of North Carolina to perform Personal Care.

How are CAREGivers selected?
We are very strict in our hiring guidelines. All applicants are screened through background checks, a minimum of six reference checks and an in depth interview. We look for people who have a yearning to be of service, love seniors, have experience and skill and can demonstrate to us good judgment, responsibility and professionalism. Once hired, we match a CAREGiver with a client based on the skill level required for the job, the preferences of the client and the interests of both client and CAREGiver. The client always has the last word about the CAREGiver we send.

Are your employees bonded and insured?
Yes, our CAREGivers are bonded and insured for liability. They are also covered under Worker's Compensation to cover any medical bills incurred from injuries on the job. Therefore, the client has no liability.

How do you train your CAREGivers?
Every Home Instead CAREGiver is required to participate in an exclusive training program, which covers the most practical topics and situations encountered in senior caregiving. Additionally, CAREGivers complete an advanced, award winning Alzheimer's training program. At the beginning of each new service, the CAREGiver receives training specific to the client under direct supervision from one of our Client Relations Managers or Registered Nurses, depending on the type of service needed.

What happens if my CAREGiver gets sick?
That is why we employ a CAREGiver team approach. If one CAREGiver is sick, another is normally available to meet your home care needs.

Do you provide senior services to those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities?
Yes, Home Instead CAREGivers provide companionship to residents in assisted living facilities and nursing homes who may require additional attention and/or personalized long term care.

What makes Home Instead Senior Care different from other companies?
As the world's largest, most trusted home care company, no one else provides comprehensive CAREGiver training, client-CAREGiver compatibility and quality assurance. Home Instead Senior Care actively lobbies to keep senior care affordable and has the largest number of participants in the National Private Duty Association (NPDA). No other in-home, senior care company has earned the deep level of trust among clients, their family members and friends, and thousands of home health care, medical and social elder care organizations as Home Instead Senior Care.

In Mecklenburg County, all Home Instead CAREGivers are regularly supervised on the job by our Client Relations Managers, including a Master's level Social Worker as well as Registered Nurses, depending on the type of service.  Should there be a change in your schedule, you can depend on us for a rapid response. Our phones are answered live 24/7/365. In addition, your local owners, Les and Roberta Farnum, are actively involved in the business.

Who pays the CAREGiver, you or me?
Home Instead Senior Care handles all the billing, payroll, taxes, insurance and administrative responsibilities for you.

Is there a fee for a consultation?
No, we do not charge for our first consultation. During this consultation we create individualized care plans for each of our clients. We spend time getting to know your needs and find a perfect match to create a most compatible relationship.

Do I need to sign a contract?
We do have a very flexible "Service Agreement" which may be cancelled at any time with 24-hour notice.

What are your rates? Does insurance cover this service?
We work hard to keep our rates affordable. Several long-term care insurance policies do cover non-medical home care services. We will assist you in finding out if your policy covers our services. Rates vary depending on the type of service and the number of hours requested. Please contact us for rate information.

Can I adjust a schedule once it's started?
We pride ourselves on our flexibility. We are here to accommodate your needs. Therefore we can add, deduct, or change the service hours to meet your changing needs.

If I have a complaint or problem who do I talk to?
All office personnel are trained to deal with most situations. You also may speak directly with our General Manager or Les and Roberta Farnum, our owners, as they are very involved in the day to day operation of the business.