Frequently Asked Questions

Home Care Specialists welcomes questions and receives many of them. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked inquiries. If you don’t find the information you want, or need more details, please contact us.
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1-800-631-6550

Our Services are also available to clients who live in assisted living communities and nursing homes.

Who else benefits from in-home care besides the elderly?

Anyone who wants to remain active and independent in his or her own home but has difficulty with ordinary tasks will benefit from quality in-home, non-medical care. This can include people who are:

  • Recovering from surgery or injury;
  • Dealing with disabilities or chronic conditions such as arthritis or dementia;
  • Needing companionship, stimulation or transportation;
  • Having trouble with physical activities and tasks;
  • Requiring long-term or hospice care.

What distinguishes the services provided by Home Care Specialists?

We have been providing superior home care since 1994. We are dedicated to giving you and your relatives the same quality care we would give our own family. Our caregivers are employees, not independent contractors, which means each one meets our high standards for skills, personality and reliability. You can truly trust our care.

How do I get started in obtaining care and how long does it take?

Getting started is simple and quick – just give us a call. We will arrange, at your convenience, for a Care Manager to visit you and perform an assessment. There is no cost or obligation. Once you meet with our Care Manager and a Personal Care Plan is established, care can begin shortly thereafter in most cases.

Do you personalize care for each client?

Absolutely. We offer an array of services. Your needs and those of your family are unique so we customize our services to meet your exact needs. Our first step in serving you is to create a Personal Care Plan that our Care Managers will monitor and update regularly in consultation with you.

How is my caregiver chosen?

Our dedicated team makes it a priority to find you the best personal attendant possible; one who fits your needs, requirements and schedule. We strive to find the personal caregiver who is just right for you and can be your attendant on a continuing basis.

What if I don’t like my personal caregiver?

Your satisfaction is vital. If you feel you would like to change your personal attendant, contact your Service Coordinator to make a change. We will try to accommodate you as allowed by law to make the right match for your situation.

How much do you charge and how are payments handled?

Our rates are based on the level of care needed and the frequency of care, so fees vary. Please contact us to discuss the exact rates for the services you need. We offer flexible billing options and accept most credit cards. No deposit is needed.

Will insurance cover your services?

Long Term Care Insurance may cover all or parts of our services depending on the specifics of your policy. We have worked with many companies to help our clients get reimbursed and are happy to bill your Long Term Care Insurance company for you.

Unfortunately, general health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not cover in-home care.

How can you help veterans?

Homes Care Specialists is under contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a preferred provider of services to vets who need in-home care assistance. Our staff can also help eligible veterans and their spouses apply for Aid & Attendance (A&A), a special benefit paid in addition to a basic military pension.

What’s the best way to persuade my aging uncle that he needs some help around the house?

There are a variety of solutions to this very common problem. Our Care Managers can meet with you to assess your loved one’s situation and advise accordingly.

Can I call your office anytime?

Yes, absolutely. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After hours, we have an answering service that will page an on-call supervisor for you. We will always be available to assist you in any way we can. Call your branch office directly or call 1-800-631-6550 toll free.

Do you provide services in assisted living communities and skilled nursing homes?

Yes, Home Care Specialists provides personalized services in both assisted living communities and skilled nursing homes. We provide personalized care and attention when the family isn’t there.

How are personal caregivers hired and screened?

Home Care Specialists hires only experienced individuals as caregivers. Job applicants are evaluated to make sure they are personable, patient and truly dedicated to the care of others. They must pass competency tests and thorough background checks and, once hired, are rechecked annually.

Are all of your personal caregivers bonded and insured?

Yes, all of our personal caregivers are bonded and insured. We also provide workers' compensation, liability insurance and hold a surety bond.

Who pays for the employment taxes and workers' compensation?

Our personal caregivers are employees of Home Care Specialists, not independent contractors. As the employer, we pay all payroll taxes and workers' compensation.

What happens if my caregiver is temporarily unavailable due to illness or an unforeseen problem?

We will send a substitute caregiver to your home as a temporary replacement and keep you informed of your caregiver’s return status. When selecting a temporary attendant, we will find someone whose skills and experience match your needs.