Personal Care
1. What personal care tasks can caregivers help with?
Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding assistance, walking around the home, safe transfers (like bed to chair), and incontinence care. Exactly which tasks are included is written into your loved one’s care plan.
2. Is personal care the same as medical care?
No. Personal care is non-medical, hands-on help with daily routines. Our caregivers don’t provide nursing, therapy, diagnosis, or medication administration
3. How do you protect my loved one’s privacy and dignity?
Caregivers are trained in client rights, privacy, and professional boundaries. They explain what they’re doing, ask before helping, and follow your loved one’s preferences, from the time of day to the water temperature.
4. What if my loved one refuses help or feels embarrassed?
That’s very common. Caregivers move at your loved one’s pace, and many families start with one small task and build trust over time. Your care coordinator can also suggest ways to introduce the idea.
5. Can caregivers help someone who has trouble standing or walking?
Caregivers can help with safe transfers and walking when it’s appropriate for the situation, and this is assessed during the in-home visit. If your loved one’s needs go beyond what our caregivers can safely do, we’ll tell you honestly
6. Do caregivers help with medications?
Caregivers don’t administer medication. Questions about medications should go to your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist.
7. Will it be the same caregiver each time?
We aim for consistency, because familiarity builds trust and comfort. If your regular caregiver is out, our backup procedures help us cover the visit.
Companionship
1. What does a companion caregiver do?
Caregivers plan and prepare meals around your loved one’s tastes and routines, and help with cleanup afterward. They can also help your loved one eat if that’s part of the care plan.
2. How is companionship different from personal care?
Companionship focuses on connection, activity, and supervision rather than hands-on help with bathing or dressing. Many families combine the two.
3. How do you match a caregiver with my loved one?
We consider personality, interests, temperament, language, and schedule, not just availability. We’ll also introduce the caregiver before care begins and check in to make sure it feels right.
4. My loved one says they don’t need anyone. How do I bring it up?
Many people respond better to “someone to keep you company” than “someone to take care of you.” A short first visit with a caregiver who shares an interest, like gardening or music, often helps. We’re happy to talk through how to approach the conversation.
5. Can a companion help someone with memory loss?
Caregivers can provide routine, supervision, and gentle engagement for clients with memory loss, within our authorized scope of services. They don’t provide medical treatment for dementia.
6. Can companions take my loved one to activities or outings?
Yes, when it’s appropriate and included in the care plan. Transportation arrangements are covered in your service agreement.
7. I live far away. Can I stay informed?
Yes. Your care coordinator can keep you updated, and caregivers record care notes after visits.
Meal Preparation & Light Housekeeping
1. What does meal preparation include?
Caregivers plan and prepare meals around your loved one’s tastes and routines, and help with cleanup afterward. They can also help your loved one eat if that’s part of the care plan.
2. Can caregivers follow a special diet?
Caregivers can prepare meals according to dietary instructions your family or your loved one’s doctor has already given. They don’t create or change medical diets.
3. What counts as “light” housekeeping?
Routine tidying, dishes, laundry, changing linens, and keeping living areas clear and comfortable. It isn’t deep cleaning, heavy lifting, or home repairs.
4. Will the caregiver shop for groceries?
Generally yes, we use the supplies in the home. Your care coordinator will go over this with you during the assessment.
5. Do I need to provide cleaning supplies and groceries?
We accept credit cards, debit, HSA/FSA accounts, and cash. Flexible payment plans are available to make care accessible to all patients.
6. Will caregivers respect our home and belongings?
Absolutely. Caregivers are trained in professional boundaries and confidentiality, and are expected to treat every home as they’d want their own treated. If a concern ever comes up, tell your care coordinator right away.
7. Is this service worth it if my loved one is fairly independent?
Many families start with meals and light housekeeping because it protects energy and safety without changing everything. It’s often the first step before other care is needed.
Errands & Accompaniment
1. What kinds of errands can caregivers run?
Grocery and household shopping, routine errands, and, when appropriate, picking up items for your loved one. Exactly what’s included is outlined in the care plan.
2. Can a caregiver drive my loved one?
Transportation and mileage arrangements are set out in your service agreement. Ask us about what’s available.
3. Will a caregiver come to a medical appointment?
Caregivers can accompany your loved one for company, support, and to take notes if your family asks. They don’t provide medical care or make medical decisions.
4. Can caregivers take my loved one to social events, church, or the senior center?
Yes, when it’s part of the care plan. Staying connected to community is one of the most valuable things errands and outings can do.
5. What if my loved one uses a walker or wheelchair?
That’s assessed during the in-home visit. We’ll talk with you honestly about what’s safe and appropriate for each outing.
Respite for a Family Caregiver
1. What is respite care?
Respite is a planned break for family caregivers. A trained caregiver steps in, so you can rest, work, run errands, or recharge while your loved one stays well cared for.
2. How long can a respite visit be?
It can be a few hours, a regular weekly schedule, or short-term relief for a specific stretch.
3. How much notice do you need?
The sooner you tell us, the better we can match and schedule a caregiver. If it’s urgent, call us and we’ll do our best.
4. How do you help my loved one feel comfortable with someone new?
A list of routines, emergency contacts, doctor information, and anything your loved one needs or prefers. Your care coordinator will give you a simple checklist.
5. What should I leave for the caregiver?
A list of routines, emergency contacts, doctor information, and anything your loved one needs or prefers. Your care coordinator will give you a simple checklist.
Not Sure Yet?
1. Where do I start if I don’t know what we need?
Start with a free, no-obligation conversation. Tell us what’s going on at home, and our care coordinator will help you sort out what might help.
2. Does the consultation cost anything?
Our initial consultation is free and carries no obligation.
3. What happens during the in-home assessment?
We meet your loved one in their home, learn about daily routines, needs, preferences, and safety, and talk with your family. Afterward we recommend a care plan and, if you’d like, give you a written quote.
4. How do I know how many hours of care we need?
There’s no one answer. We’ll recommend a starting schedule based on your loved one’s needs and your family’s situation, and you can adjust it as you learn what works.
5. What if my parent refuses all help?
This is one of the most common situations we hear about. Starting small, framing help as companionship, and involving your parent in choosing the caregiver often makes a difference. We’re glad to talk it through, with no pressure.