Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether the services I request will be covered by Medicare?
When our nursing supervisor makes her initial visit, she will make sure any care provided by Medicare is ordered to the appropriate agency, including Hospice services. Medicare usually covers any type of medical condition that is acute or non-custodial and short in length. Medicare also helps pay for equipment that may be needed in the home. If at any time we are providing private duty services and a patient becomes eligible for Medicare, we make sure the referral is made to the patient's doctor. Click Here for more information on Medicare and Medicaid.
Will your employees take a patient to doctor's or hairdresser appointments or even to the grocery store?
All Accu-Care employees are required to have a car with current insurance. Transportation to appointments within a 15 mile radius of the patient's home is free with our service.
How do the caregivers know what to do?
When we begin service with a patient, our nursing supervisor visits the home and creates a specific care plan with the family and/or patient. These plans are tailored specifically to meet your needs and requests. Care plans are updated as needed.
What are some examples of the types of services your employees can perform?
Some of the tasks we generally perform include meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry, change of bed linens, grocery shopping, light housework, personal care and assistance with dressing. Types of services needed/provided are decided in the initial meeting.
Can you explain what "round the clock" care means?
For complete safety, a caregiver is in the home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All caregivers stay until relieved by a fellow employee, insuring the patient is never left alone. Employees on duty during the night shift do NOT sleep. We GUARANTEE our 24-hour care. If an employee cancels, we send a supervisor to cover the shift if necessary.
How are your employees supervised?
It is the nursing supervisor's job to check our employees for proper dress and to make certain the patient is receiving the care they are entitled to. Included at no charge with our service are annual flu shots, medication set-ups by the nursing supervisor, blood draws and either a bi-weekly or weekly visit.
What if the employee you send is not a good "match"?
Part of the feedback the nursing supervisor gives our scheduling coordinator is the type of person she feels will best fit the needs of the patient, usually based on information gathered during the care plan meeting with the patient and/or family. We will change employees when you request a change.
How do you screen your employees?
Every employee who works for us MUST have a car, valid car insurance, be trained in CPR and have been previously employed in homecare for at least one year. They must also have a clean state-wide police report and pass orientation prior to being placed with our agency. We currently have a good mix of both young and "seasoned" employees.
Do you have a minimum number of days or hours and what is the cost?
We prefer a four-hour minimum per shift. Some families have care one to two hours a day --- just to help keep their family member as independent as possible. Care ranges in cost from $20 an hour, to flat fees for shorter shifts.
What is the one thing you think differentiates you from other agencies?
We are very proud of the intimate office environment we have. Our inside staff consists of five very loyal individuals who have been with us a very long time. Because we are small and locally owned, everyone who works here takes immediate responsibility and allows us to "keep on top" of any problems or issues.
