Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How do I know if it is time to start home care?

You do not need to wait for a major medical crisis. The most common early signs include missed medications, unopened mail, spoiled food in the fridge, a decline in personal hygiene, or unexplained weight loss. If family members are losing sleep, missing work, or feeling burned out trying to keep up with care, it is time to bring in professional support.

My parent refuses to accept help. What should I do?

This is incredibly common. Older adults often resist care because they fear losing their independence. We recommend starting small: introduce a caregiver for just a few hours a week to help with "housekeeping" or "meal prep" rather than personal care. We use an "ask, don't tell" approach to preserve their dignity, letting them direct how the caregiver helps them, which builds trust over time.

We are discharging from the hospital tomorrow. How fast can you start?

The first 72 hours after a hospital discharge are the most critical for preventing readmission. Depending on staff availability and your specific location, we can often perform a rapid intake assessment and have care started within 24 to 48 hours. Please call us immediately so we can coordinate directly with the hospital's discharge planner.

Costs & Insurance (New York Specific)

Does Medicare pay for long-term home care?

This is the most common misconception families face. Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial home care (like home health aides for bathing, dressing, and meal prep). Medicare only covers short-term, skilled medical care (like physical therapy or visiting nurses) for a limited time after a hospital stay. Long-term home care is typically paid for out-of-pocket, through Long-Term Care Insurance, or via Medicaid.

Do you accept Medicaid or Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plans?

Yes. In New York, long-term home care for Medicaid recipients is managed through MLTC plans. We work closely with several major MLTCs. If you are currently applying for Medicaid, we can provide private-pay care in the interim and help guide you toward resources for navigating the New York MLTC assessment process.

What is CDPAP, and do you support it?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York State Medicaid program that allows you to hire and manage your own caregivers—including family members or friends. If you are interested in CDPAP, our team can explain how the payroll and compliance process works so you can get your chosen caregiver enrolled and paid.

How much does private-pay home care cost?

Costs vary based on the level of care (companion vs. personal care vs. nursing), the number of hours per day, and your location. A personalized care plan is not one-size-fits-all. During our initial free consultation, we help you build a realistic monthly estimate that accounts for your baseline needs, high-risk times of day, and your family budget.

Types of Care & Daily Logistics

What is the difference between a companion, a home health aide, and a nurse?

• Companions provide hands-off support: meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation.
• Home Health Aides (HHAs) provide hands-on personal care: assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and safe transfers from bed to chair.
• Skilled Nurses (RNs/LPNs) provide medical care: wound care, IV medications, feeding tube management, and complex health monitoring.

Will my loved one have the same caregiver every day?

Consistency is a core part of our care philosophy. Having a revolving door of strangers is confusing for seniors and stressful for families. While we always have backup caregivers ready in case of illness or emergencies, our goal is to build a dedicated, consistent core team (usually 1 to 3 caregivers, depending on your weekly hours) who know your loved one's routines perfectly.

How do you handle medical emergencies or falls?

Our caregivers are trained in safe transfer protocols and emergency escalation. Your family will have a clearly documented Care Plan that dictates exactly what to do in various scenarios. If a non-urgent issue arises, we notify family and the primary care doctor. If a critical red flag occurs (like a head strike or chest pain), caregivers are trained to call 911 immediately and notify the family lead.

Can your caregivers drive my parent to doctor appointments?

Yes. Caregivers can either drive your loved one in the family's vehicle (provided proper insurance is in place) or accompany them via ride services or medical transport. Having a caregiver in the waiting room and the exam room ensures the doctor's instructions are correctly documented and added to the home care plan.