F.A.Q’s

Frequently Asked Home Care Questions

Maybe this is your first time looking into Home Care and Hospice options, or maybe you’ve been here before. Whatever your level of experience, we are here to help you ask the questions you might not even know to ask yet. And to show you how an overwhelming situation can be simplified into an experience that ultimately brings joy to your life and your family. Don’t see an answer to your home care or Medicaid question? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Understanding the Journey

We understand that it is difficult to allow someone to come into your home or a family member’s home. At Friends for Life Homecare, we’ve been experts in home care for many years and have experience to help guide you through the home care decision making process. We have dealt with many different situations, schedules, personalities and needs. We take time to answer all of your questions as we understand that this is a new process you will be going through.

Frequently Asked Home Care Questions

Where do I start home care services with Friends for Life Homecare?

We will have our staff come to your home and conduct a free, no obligation assessment. You can also come in to one of our two locations as well if you prefer to come to us. We will then, at your direction, identify caregivers who have the skills, personality and availability to assist you.

What if my senior only needs a little assistance?

Not a problem at all. We are available for as many hours and days your senior needs. If your loved one only needs assistance with organizing the house and dusting and vacuuming once a week, we’re here to help. If your senior wants a walking companion three times a week, we’re here to help. Friends for Life Homecare is flexible to fit the care that is needed and for how often you prefer.

Why use non-medical care?

Letting seniors age in place can bring fear and uncertainty among family members who can’t regularly be on site with their loved one. Friends for Life Homecare ensures seniors maintain as much self-sufficiency as possible, while family members remain at ease knowing their senior is receiving personal, trustworthy care. And, at a price that’s more affordable than care facilities or a visiting nurse.

Why are we your Friend for Life?

This is an easy question to answer. It’s our employees! Friends for Life Homecare was founded in 2010 with the guiding principal that our great asset is our employees. We have grown from a small company in Massapequa to a rapidly-growing agency serving the New York area with two home care locations and counting. The truly amazing part of this story is we let compassion and quality of service lead the way. We did not use the standard growth-focused model, but rather a very simple one; We focus on the two most important groups, our employees and our clients.

What does the term “aging in place” mean?

Aging in place refers to the ability of any person to grow old in their own home or that of their family. It is the opposite of institutional residential care like a nursing home. Friends for Life Homecare understands how difficult this time is and is here to help. With our at home care services, seniors receive the one-on-one support they need to remain independent and live safely at home.

Can I change my schedule if I have other appointments to keep?

Schedule changes are easily accomplished with as little as 2 days’ notice. Our Philosophy is to make a schedule work for the family, not the agency. You come first. Your needs, requests and schedule. We will do everything possible to make sure the schedule you want is the schedule you get.

Are we locked into a long-term service contract?

Friends for Life Homecare does not lock you into a long-term contract. We can accommodate the type and length of in-home care your loved one needs, whether your family needs a couple of hours of respite care or you are looking for multiple weeks of care for your loved one. Contact your local Friends for Life Homecare office to explore the types of non-medical services and care plans we offer.

How quickly can in-home service start?

Generally, services can be provided within a 48-hour period and often the same day. Often, we can match a home caregiver to your senior’s individual needs and living situation within days of your initial contact with us. While we hesitate to rush and bypass our well-tested process in evaluating the optimum elder care experience for your loved one, we will work with you to make adjustments in more time-sensitive situations. Give us a call, and together we’ll figure out the next best steps for your senior’s continued wellbeing, safety and contentment.

Do you provide services at locations such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities?

Yes, Friends for Life often partners with staff at other facilities to provide additional services to ensure that your loved one receives the attention and care that they need. Additional care can involve something as simple as companionship or help with rehabilitative services.

Is there a minimum amount of care?

The minimum amount of home care you can get is five hours a day / two days a week. The maximum amount of care is 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. With Friends for life Homecare, you can add services at any time even if your increased need is only temporary.

Is there 24 hour on-call coverage?

Yes, there is a manager on-call who can be reached in case of an emergency.

What are your rates? Hourly? Daily? Live-In?

Rates vary depending on the home care services and the number of service hours provided. Please call to discuss your specific needs. We accept payment via all major credit cards, debit cards, check and money order. We also accept many long-term care insurance and VA benefits.

Am I required to pay a security deposit?

No, our clients are not required to pay a security deposit.

Do I pay the caregiver directly?

No. You (or an authorized representative) are only invoiced after the completion of services. Usually, this happens weekly. You never have to pay caregivers directly. And you’ll never be asked to pay an additional fee to any employee.

Can I change or discontinue the services my loved one receives?

You can change the number or type of home care service we provide your loved one whenever it’s necessary. We understand the care situation can quickly change, so we’re as flexible as possible with your loved one’s care. Plus, you’re never bound to a long-term contract, so you can discontinue your relationship with Friends for Life Homecare at your discretion.

How can I verify a shift was completed?

Friends for Life Homecare uses several tools to track our caregivers. First, we use simple time sheets filled out by each caregiver. Then, we use a combination of internet-based solutions to verify time and attendance. This allows you to have a written record of services within the home where care is provided. And we can provide written verification at any time.

Also, our itemized invoices are always sent after services are complete. This lets you ask any questions about time or date of care, and it allows us to make any schedule adjustments before your invoice is sent.

Will I have a choice of who comes to my home?

Yes. We encourage your involvement in the decision-making process. And with our proprietary screening and selection system, you can rest assured that we do our best to take the guesswork out of matching the right caregiver to you and your family. However, you must be satisfied. We always try to accommodate any requests you may have for a change in caregivers.

Will my family member always receive care from the same caregiver?

Our goal is to establish a long-term caregiving relationship with your loved one. Should your family want to request another caregiver for any reason, we’ll search for a match until your family is happy. We understand that a strong rapport and trust with a caregiver is vital to a successful home care experience. We handpick each companion to specifically match the personality and needs of each individual and family. If we get it wrong and you’re not happy, please let us know an we will send another aide immediately.

Who do I contact in case of emergency?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1. Otherwise, you can call: (516) 548-1933 or (516) 586-6941 24/7 for home care assistance

Exactly What Is Home Care?

What Is Home Care?

There are two key elements to home care. We can sum it up in two words: “Home” and “Care”. To us, these are two reasons why home care has become so very important in our society. Seniors like to stay in the comfort and safety of their own environment. It’s all about keeping independence and maintaining the same lifestyle in their own familiar surroundings, just with some added help. Staying home means being near family and friends and it gives seniors the sense of freedom and confidence they deserve

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