Frequently Asked Questions

What is home health care?

Homecare is health care or supportive care provided by a professional caregiver in the individual home where the patient or client is living, as opposed to care provided in group accommodations like clinics or nursing homes.

What services does Community Care provide?

Community Care offers Companion / Homemaker Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides and Skilled Nursing  services.

What is the difference between home health and home companion care?

Companion’s offer friendship and assistance in daily living, while home health aides offer medical assistance.  They can provide chore activities, housekeeping, meal prep, companion services, laundry, errands etc. Companions are not permitted to provide any hands-on care.

What are the benefits of home care vs. living in a facility?

“There’s no place like home.”  For seniors or patients that need care in the home setting, the goal is to provide comfort and familiarity.  It also allows the patient to live life on their own schedule.  Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities require the patient to work around their schedule.  Waking, eating, bathing, and daily activities can be done on the patient’s own timelines.  Some of the benefits of home care vs a facility are:

• Individuals benefit from one-on-one care that can be tailored to meet their unique preferences and needs as opposed to a congregate care setting where patient staff ratios are much higher
• The senior gets to remain in the comfort of their own home or the home of a close relative as they get older
• The senior, along with their family and friends, can choose the person who will be providing care
• Instead of receiving care from many different caregivers, the individual can get comfortable with one caregiver
• Depending on when the care is needed and the skill level of the care required, in-home care can cheaper
• Different types of care can be combined to lower overall costs

Will my insurance cover home health care?

Each patient’s case in unique.  There are various insurance options available including Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Long-Term Care Insurance.  It is important for each family and patient to review their options and in some cases, it may be a good idea to speak with an expert who can guide them through the financial aspects of care.

What are other payment methods for home care?

Private pay, VA benefits, long term care insurance, life insurance policy conversions, reverse mortgages, trusts and home care loans are all examples of payment methods outside traditional insurance programs.

Will my Home Healthcare Aide cook and clean?

Yes, Home Care Aides and Personal Care Aides can assist with light housekeeping chores and meal preparation.

What are the signs someone needs home health care?

There are certain signs to look for to determine if home health care is needed.  Listed below are some of the indicators that lead family and friends to recommend home health care for loved ones:

• Clutter, piles of paper and mail
• Unpaid bills or late payments
• Unkempt lawn or home
• Spoiled food in the refrigerator
• Burned pans on the stove
• Soiled clothing or body odor
• Acting confused, forgetful
• Repeating themselves
• Losing weight, feeling tired
• Loss of interest in friends, hobbies
• Bruises
• Forgetfulness
• Getting lost on routine errands
• Forgetting to eat
• Losing their balance
• History of falls

Can Community Care help with transportation to doctors or other appointments?

Yes, Community Care can arrange for transportation services for patients to doctor’s appointments, shopping or other outings depending on the condition of the patient.

Can Community Care provide caregivers in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities or Rehabilitation Centers?

Yes, Community Care can assign Home Healthcare Aides to patients in facilities outside their homes.

Can I change caregivers at any time?

Yes, You can request a change in caregivers at any time for any reason.

Can I request a caregiver with my ethnic or cultural background?

If a patient or family has a certain gender, ethnic or cultural request, Community Care will do our best to accommodate your request.