Assisting Hands Home Care answers commonly asked questions about home care services:
Home Care Services
My mom is healthy, but I worry about her alone at home all day. Do you offer companionship services for people like her?
Yes, we offer companion care services and we will talk with you and your loved one to find the best match for them based on their personality and individual needs.
Do I have to commit to a minimum number of hours of service?
We require a 3-hour minimum per shift. We offer services to start the day, get ready for bed and anything in-between.
Can I cancel my service at any time?
Yes, we require 24-hour notice to either cancel a shift or services all together, however, we do understand that emergency situations arise, and we can be flexible.
Can I change my service or schedule?
Yes, we are flexible and can adapt to your needs as they change. Major changes may require a re-evaluation of the care plan.
In-Home Caregivers
What are the qualifications of the people who train your caregivers?
Our caregivers are trained by our agency Office Coordinator who is a certified Medical Assistant. Most of our caregivers are CBRF/CNA certified which means they have gone through a certification process and are on the State of Wisconsin register.
How are your caregivers supervised?
We use an electronic scheduling system where the caregivers clock-in, report tasks and clock-out from their phones. Our office is notified after 7 minutes of the start of a shift if a caregiver hasn't clocked in, however, most often the caregiver has begun their duties. Our Office Coordinator will conduct Supervisory Visits approximately every 30-60 days as well as on-going communication.
Will I always have the same caregiver?
It is always our goal for you to have the same caregiver. It works best for you, our caregivers, and our office staff to ensure seamless communication and care. We still recommend having more than one caregiver who is familiar with the case for unexpected situations. Those who require more than 40 hours per week will have a few different caregivers. For example, one may work Monday-Thursday, and a second Friday-Sunday. You will get used to seeing the same face on the same day. Routine is key!
What if my caregiver is not a good fit for me?
Your comfort is our first priority. We follow-up with you and your loved one frequently. Anytime you are not completely comfortable, we will work with you to find the perfect fit and communication is key.
Who answers the phone after hours if we have an emergency?
We have phone coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We feel it's important to have competent staff available in the event of an emergency and the Office Coordinator and/or owner can be reached any time as well.
Home Care Agency
Is the Agency licensed?
We are a Certified Personal Care Agency certified through the Department of Health Services of Wisconsin.
Are the caregivers insured, bonded and background-checked?
All of our caregivers and staff are W2 employees of Assisting Hands of Menomonee Falls, therefore they are bonded and insured, and we assume liability of salaries, workman's compensation and all staffing concerns. We also run a Wisconsin state, as well as national, background checks on all our employees.
What are the Home Care benefits for Veterans?
Veterans can receive additional pension funds to pay for home care costs through the VA Benefit - Aid and Attendance Program. We have a partnership with a VA Pension Benefit agency who will assist with getting veterans and their spouses set up with homecare through this service.
Senior Care / Aging Parents
What are the common conditions in older adults who receive home care?
Chronic conditions in older adults who receive home care include arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, among others. These conditions can make living at home unsafe. Our senior home care / elderly care services can help you maintain your independence in your own home, keep you safe from falls, and help you with light housekeeping as well as companionship, bathing, preparing meals, etc.
My parents need some home modifications to make their home safe. Can you help advise us on installing grab bars or a ramp?
Yes! Assisting Hands Home Care can refer you to local resources who can help you out with these home modifications to make aging in place a reality!
What if my mother or father is stubborn and doesn’t want a caregiver?
It’s normal for a family member to feel a bit hesitant before inviting someone new into their home. Most of our parents have been caring for themselves and others for most of their adult lives. Try to involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. For example, “would you rather have a caregiver come at 8:00am or 9:00am? Or would you prefer a female or male caregiver?” Rest assured that after a bit of an adjustment period, your caregiver will become part of the family and you won’t be able to imagine life without them!
My brothers and sisters live all over the country. How can we all stay informed about your home care services?
At Assisting Hands Home Care, our software utilizes the “Family Room” feature where families can login to view schedules, care notes, invoices, etc. The staff at Assisting Hands serves as your concierge to keep all authorized parties informed about your services and there is always someone available to answer questions and give updates regarding your loved one’s care.
My parents are from a different generation, one where they were very distrusting of strangers in the home. Is this uncommon? How can I convince them that your home care workers are trustworthy?
This is a very common feeling. All of our caregivers pass state and national background checks. The caregivers are our employees and we are legally responsible for the work they perform inside your home. Trust is built over time. Shortly, your family member will feel like the caregiver is part of the family!
General Questions
What are the payments options you accept?
We accept private pay, long-term care insurance, and in some instances, Medicare will pay for services depending on your plan. We also work with veterans through the VA Pension Benefit – Aid and Attendance Program in which veterans can receive additional pension funds to pay for home care costs
Who will I meet at the initial in-home consultation?
Robin Elario, the franchise owner, conducts all the initial in-home consultations with potential clients and their family members.
How long does it take you to place a caregiver?
After the initial consultation and all the information is gathered, we will evaluate our current staff to determine a good fit and care can start soon thereafter. We will communicate the status along the way with the client and family members.
If the caregiver does not work out, what do you do to find a replacement?
We try our best to find the perfect match the first time around. However, if the caregiver is not a good fit, we will talk with the client and family members, re-evaluate our current staff, and choose a caregiver based on the feedback of the client and family.
Who should I contact with questions about my caregiver?
If there are ever any questions or concerns about your caregiver, you can contact the office and speak to our Officer Coordinator directly. Your satisfaction is our top priority and we will work hard to resolve any concerns should they arise.
Do I pay the caregiver directly, or do I tip the caregiver?
The caregivers are not allowed to accept payments, tips or gifts of any kind.
What if my caregiver does not show up for a scheduled shift?
The office staff will be in communication with you if someone calls in and they will work on finding a replacement to fill the shift.
