Frequently Asked Questions
In what areas are your services available?
Who needs in-home care?
Individuals who need help living independently at home rather than being institutionalized or living with relatives. Other cases involve seniors whose family caregivers need respite or time off from care responsibilities.
How much does the service cost?
We charge an hourly, flat rate no matter what services are required. We work with you and your loved one to conduct a full assessment to determine the hours required in properly assisting your loved one.
How does in-home care cost compare to assisted living or nursing homes?
In many cases, in-home care will cost less than assisted living facilities or nursing homes. We can create a service plan that specifically meets the needs of your loved one. For example, a combination of caregiver service and home safety products can provide a cost-effective alternative to relocation.
Do you provide care in facilities also?
Absolutely! We can provide care in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, long-term rehabilitation facilities, and other places.
Is your agency licensed?
Yes! Caring Senior Service of Galesburg is licensed as a home services agency through the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD) of the Department of Public Health.
How do you select your caregivers?
We require our caregivers to have certain personal qualities, pass state and national background checks, and participate in a detailed interview. Learn more about our process by reviewing our GreatCare method.
How long does it take to get a caregiver?
We can start care the same day—usually within an hour if requested.
What if my caregiver is sick or goes on vacation?
We use a team concept when providing care so our clients are better prepared in the event of a caregiver vacation or illness.
Can I meet the caregiver in advance?
Yes. We take great pride in matching the right caregiver with the personality of your loved one. Our free, In-Home Assessment and interview are designed to begin the process of finding the right balance between proper skills and personality for the client.
Who pays the caregiver and how do they get paid?
All of our caregivers are employees of Caring Senior Service, not independent contractors. You should avoid any agency that does not employ its caregivers. We invoice you for the services rendered. One of the benefits of using an agency like ours is that we take care of paying the caregivers, along with the taxes, insurance, benefits and other administrative requirements.
Why should I use your service instead of finding my own caregiver?
We believe that there are several reasons for you to choose our agency instead of an independent caregiver.
- The Caring Advantage puts the work on us. Our caregivers are employees of the agency, meaning they have been screened and are bonded and insured. You don’t have to worry about the quality of the caregiver or about the liability of having someone in your home.
- We have backup. If the caregiver is sick or has an emergency, we have someone ready to step in his or her place.
- We have a team of professionals to help. Our owners, Administrators, Care Managers, and other employees are in the office to ensure that Caring Senior Service standards are being met.
- We continuously monitor the relationship. Using an assessment and interview, we create a detailed service plan that our staff uses to meet the care goals. We then make regular site visits in the home to follow up with the client and the caregiver on how the plan may need to be updated.
Do caregivers undergo regular training?
Caregiver education is part of our GreatCare® promise. Our Caregiver Education Program is broken into four (4) different achievement levels: Qualified, Certified, Advanced, and GreatCare® Master. All Caregivers are required to be registered and begin courses, which include common conditions, specialty programs, and professional attribute training; all of which help better serve our clients.
Is Caring Senior Service a maid service?
No. While our caregivers can provide light housekeeping, laundry and ironing services, they are also licensed and screened to deal with more complicated care needs. Bathing, dressing, turning, transfers and walking assistance can all be conducted with Caring Senior Service caregivers. Make sure the agency you choose can provide caregivers that have the skills required to meet the needs of your loved one. Many agencies have weight limits on what their caregivers can lift, or limits on the amount of “hands on” care a caregiver can provide.
What makes Caring Senior Service different from other companies?
Under the direction of Jeff Salter, Founder and CEO, Caring Senior Service has helped evolve the senior home care industry since 1991. We are consistently seeking new ways to improve client service and caregiver structure in the home. This includes mandating caregiver background checks, implementing a care coordination process between other healthcare providers, and developing safety care product partnerships to offer clients who need alternative care options. Caring continues to lead in the industry, being actively involved with the National Private Duty Association and the Private Duty Homecare Association, and promote positive changes in the lives of seniors and their families.
Ready to discuss how Caring Senior Service can help you with in-home care services?
Talk to us today about your home care needs.