Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum hours I can sign up for with Age Advantage?
Do we have to have a set schedule or can I call whenever I need some help?
Do I have one caregiver or a different caregiver every time?
What happens if the caregiver does not show up for their scheduled shift?
Does Age Advantage require a service agreement to be signed to begin services?
How does your company handle problems?
Do your caregivers like working for you?
Do you criminally screen your caregivers?
How do I convince my loved one to accept some help?
What does it take to get started?
Do you accept Long Term Care Insurance?
What if it does not work out or help is no longer necessary?
Answers
What are the minimum hours I can sign up for with Age Advantage?
Four hours two times a week for hourly care. For live-in care we ask for
a minimum of two days a week, preferably not consecutive weekend days.
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Do we have to have a set schedule or can I call whenever I need
some help?
We ask for a set schedule. Then you can rely on help and may schedule
errands and appointments on those days if needed.
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Do I have one caregiver or a different
caregiver every time?
One caregiver or one team of caregivers depending on the number of hours
or days you sign up for. We take special effort to find a caregiver or
team that you feel comfortable with, because we believe it makes all the
difference. If you are not comfortable with your caregiver, you may
request a change. (back to
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If my situation gets more difficult, do I
have to seek medical assistance or go to a convalescent home?
Age Advantage can help care for you as long as you want us to. We care
for many of our clients around the clock, one-on-one in the comforts of
home. Home health nurses can come to the home as can hospice care. We
work together with all medical professionals to ensure you are receiving
the care you deserve. (back
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What happens if the caregiver does not show up for
their scheduled shift?
Our 24-hour clients are not left unattended. We have salaried standby
caregivers and field supervisors that are available to help out at a
moments notice. (back to
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Does Age Advantage require a service agreement to
be signed to begin services?
Yes. You should be leery of agencies that do not have a contract. They
are not obligated to show up during their scheduled times, and they
often leave their client stranded without a caregiver.
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How does your company handle problems?
We don’t avoid your call. In fact, we call often to ask how we are doing
and if you are satisfied with your caregiver and our service. If you are
not satisfied, we will make every effort to rectify the situation as
quickly as possible. Your satisfaction is our reputation. We are
available 24 hours a day and management is always available.
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Do your caregivers like working for you?
The best way to say this is that when caregivers leave our agency, they
often come back asking to work for us once again with tales from the
other side. Many of our new caregivers hear about us by word of mouth.
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Do you criminally screen your caregivers?
Yes, we do a thorough criminal background screening using a potential
employee’s Social Security number and birth date. We screen in all
states they have resided.
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What is the difference between agencies
that independently contract their caregivers or agencies that employ
their caregivers?
If you hire an independent contractor
you are considered the employer and hold all
liability and responsibility for
the employee. The client is responsible for payroll taxes, worker’s
compensation, liability, bonding, and instructing the caregiver. The
client is vulnerable for tax accountability as well as for lawsuits from
an independently contracted caregiver. If you hire an agency that has
employees the agency takes all the employer responsibilities. And good
agencies will protect themselves, their clients, and their caregivers
with workers compensation, criminal checks, solid reference checks,
liability insurance and bonding.
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How do I convince my loved one to accept some
help?
This is a great question for our client consultant because every
situation is different. Most often we recommend the direct approach by
sharing (some of) your concerns and asking your loved one to look over
the services home care has to offer. (We can send you an informational
packet.) Interview our client consultant together with your loved one.
This enables them to be a part of the decision that affects them the
most. It is wise to start with minimal care to find the best solution
while health permits. We have a 10-day or 2 week minimum requirement for
care. If your loved one does not feel they can utilize the help,
transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errand
running…then they can cancel. Home care is the easiest option to change
if it does not work for you. (You may have to start with baby steps and
hire a housekeeper first, if you have the luxury of time.)
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What does it take to get started?
We invite you to call or e-mail. Our client consultant will return your
call at your convenience and you may interview them by phone. If you are
pleased, you may set up a consultation in your home, your loved one's
home, hospital, or our office. At that time, our consultant will explain
in detail the services we have to offer.
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Do you accept Long Term Care Insurance?
Many of our clients have long-term care insurance. We work closely with
all parties involved to provide the proper paperwork and information
required for reimbursement.
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What if it does not work out or help is no longer
necessary?
You can cancel after the first ten days or 2 weeks with a three-day
notice.
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