If you have had home care assistance, you’re probably full of questions. Here are some of the most common questions and answers. If you don’t see the information you are looking for, please contact us at (317) 237-7770. We welcome the opportunity to help you.
How do we initiate services?
The first step is to contact At Home Preferred at (317) 237-7770 so we can learn about your specific needs and answer your questions. Next, we will schedule a home visit so we can meet you and your family and develop an Individualized Care Plan addressing your needs. Our care team includes a Nurse Liaison who will help facilitate the care between you and caregivers chosen to have the skills and temperament for your unique needs.
What services does At Home Preferred offer?
We provide a wide range of non-medical services in the home, including:
- Ambulation – help moving around the home
- Bathing and grooming assistance
- Medication reminders
- Toileting/incontinence care
- General companionship
- Meal preparation
- Errands like grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Exercises after rehabilitation
- Post-surgical and hospital discharge concierge services
- Respite care
- Overnight care
- End-of-life care
Are you insured and bonded? Are your caregivers employees?
At Home Preferred is an Indiana-licensed, bonded and insured agency. Our caregivers are employees, and we provide the necessary Worker’s Compensation and General Liability insurance to our employees so our clients are protected. Our primary concerns are providing safe, quality care and your trust and confidence.
What is your hiring process?
We are very selective about who joins our team as caregivers. Our selection process is extremely thorough and includes:
- An initial online screening and testing to ensure job fit as well as competency
- Behavioral and personality assessments
- Face-to-face interview with members of the At Home Preferred leadership team
- National and state criminal background checks
- National and state sex offender registry checks
- Social Security verification
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse checks
- 10-panel drug screen
- Professional and personal references checks
- Verification of previous employment and education
- TB test
How are caregivers selected for me?
We want our clients and their family members to be comfortable with their caregivers. After all, you will be spending a good bit of time together. After our Nurse Liaison meets you and develops your Care Plan, we select an individual or team of individuals who have the appropriate skills and personality to match your preferences and needs. If you are not satisfied with your caregivers, all you have to do is communicate with us and we will find caregivers better suited to you.
Where do you provide services?
At Home Preferred provides services in Indianapolis and surrounding Indianapolis counties. Please refer to our service map.
If we need transportation services, whose car will be used?
We can use either your car or the caregiver’s car. If your car is used, you must have auto owners insurance. All At Home Preferred employees provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license when hired.
How soon can you begin providing services in our home?
In most instances, we can begin services as quickly as you need.
Is there a minimum number of hours required? Do you provide overnight care?
We are flexible and will meet the needs and schedules of the families we serve. We request a minimum three-hour shift per week and can provide shifts up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And yes, we do provide overnight care!
How much do home care services cost?
Services range from $19 – $23 per hour, depending on when services are needed— weekday, weekday night, or weekends.
How do I pay for your services?
Our services are generally private pay, however, many Long Term Care policies and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits cover our services. We work closely with families to determine the best payer source. We also are a provider for Medicaid Waiver.
How will I be billed for your services?
Clients are billed bi-weekly, and invoices are due upon receipt. You may pay by check, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. Clients generally are required to make an initial deposit equal to two weeks of anticipated services if services are expected to be ongoing. At Home Preferred may require payment in advance for short-term assignments and/or one-day only transportation services.
Why should families use a company with employees rather than just hire a caregiver directly?
The safety of your loved one is your utmost priority, thus it’s important to have confidence in your caregivers and their activities. When you hire At Home Preferred, you get a company that is focused on following the highest industry standards of care, and more importantly, providing you with peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional company with proven processes and an excellent reputation. Here are more reasons to hire our company:
- We extensively pre-screen all caregivers.
- We train all caregivers.
- We protect our clients against liability risks, such as a caregiver who is injured on the job.
- We pay employment taxes and file necessary tax documents.
- We provide greater control over caregiver scheduling.
- We want the best for our clients and our people.
FAQs for Caregivers
How much do you pay?
We pay well above the industry standard. Contact AHP for more information.
How long are shifts?
Typical shifts are 4, 8 or 12 hours.
Do caregivers work full or part-time?
It depends on the caregiver. Some work 4-8 hours per week, and others work up to 40 hours.
What kinds of tasks do caregivers do?
Caregivers perform a wide variety of tasks. Please see our services page.
Will I be using my car?
You might use your car or you might use the client’s car. Every client assignment is different.
How do caregivers get scheduled?
Generally, a caregiver is assigned to a client based on your skills and availability with their scheduled needs. Before beginning any assignment, each caregiver will be oriented to a client’s home.
What if I need to cancel a shift?
Not a problem! You simply call the office with as much advance notice as possible so that we can find a suitable replacement.