We know it can be “information overload” when you are trying to find trustworthy assistance for yourself or your loved ones for in home care services. Let us help take the stress out of your search and provide you with some answers.
What makes Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services unique?
Our Caregivers! We love hiring Baby Boomers! Many of our caregivers have cared for an elderly loved one or have retired from the educational or medical professions and appreciate the one-on-one relationship that develops when providing care services in the home.
Our caregivers are compassionate, mature, active women and men (50+ years old) who understand the challenges that come with aging and are carefully matched to your specific needs and personality.
How do I start?
Sometimes you do not know where or how to begin and that is okay. We are good listeners. Call or text us at 630-324-6086. Together we can determine what days, hours, and types of assistance you would like.
First-time receivers will receive an assessment to understand the services needed and the goals to accomplish. It is important to understand where we will be working and the best way to meet our clients’ needs in their own environment. Once we have done the assessment, you can begin service and we can do the scheduling over the phone with minimal delay.
Who will provide the service(s)?
Our caregivers are seniors themselves (age 50 or older) and are “Employees” who have been screened, carefully selected, and trained by SHS staff. We make sure our Providers are caring, giving, loving, and compassionate people with a strong interest in helping others and a strong work ethic. Many of our Providers have been caregivers for a loved one, have been in the helping profession, and have a desire to help others.
Although we try to keep the same Provider assigned, we know there are times when that is just not possible, so we may have someone identified as a “backup” in the event of illness or emergency. If we provide a substantial amount of service hours in a day or week, or we are providing services over a weekend, we may use more than one individual to provide these services.
Do I need to sign a contract for a specific amount of time?
We do not have you sign a contract that would commit you to a specific period of service time. However, we do use a very simple “Agreement” which documents the services we will provide, the rate we charge for those services, and a few basic expectations we have of the “Receiver of service” (such as providing a safe environment; providing any of the materials or tools we would use to do housecleaning, etc.; making all requests for services directly to the staff of SHS and not the Provider; and releasing SHS of liability while we are working with you in your home). This Agreement will be reviewed with you and any questions will be answered.
When do I schedule services?
You can contact us anytime to start services. Depending upon your needs, we could be ready to help within 48 hours or less. Once we have a signed agreement with you, you can call us at any point for services (or to increase services). We will make every effort to respond to your request and schedule service within 24 hours; however, it is always a good idea to give us as much notice as possible (a week’s notice is a good rule of thumb).
What if I want to discontinue services?
We require a 2-week notice of cancellation of services whenever ongoing services have been scheduled. But we do understand the unexpected and therefore you can cancel anytime if it is not the same day. We will send the bill for all unpaid services shortly after or at the end of the month for immediate payment.
Do you have a minimum of hours per visit?
Schedules of 2- and 3-hour minimums per visit can be arranged.
If the service takes less than 2 hours, we will do additional work for you to fill up the time. If the required service takes longer than expected or paid for, we will bill you for the additional time, the following month. Providers are paid on a 15 min increment so you will be charged the same.
When are services billed?
A bill for service is sent out of the 10th of the month and are due upon receipt.
How do I pay for services?
Services are Private Pay and invoices are due upon receipt. We also work with Long Term Care Insurance policies as well as the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Benefit.
When we come out to do an assessment, we will agree on what services will be provided and discuss a schedule. If this is a one-time service (for example, transportation for a doctor’s appointment), we will expect payment the day of the service or shortly after when you will be invoiced.
Do you provide services in the evenings, weekends, or holidays?
Yes. Our in-home senior care services are available every day of the week, and every hour of the day, even overnight. That includes 24-hour care if needed. Holidays are billed at a time and a half.
How do you screen the caregiver?
We have a 3-step process we follow with all Providers. We do a telephone screening and set up an in-person interview with all qualified Providers; we do a Criminal Record Check on all Providers, and we provide in-service orientation for all Providers.
Are your caregivers insured and licensed?
Yes. All potential caregivers are bonded and insured. Caregivers carry their own auto liability insurance as well. The State of Illinois does not require licensing for in-home caregivers.
Do I need to feed or give money to the caregiver?
No, caregivers are trained that they do not eat your food. They can eat a meal they packed for themselves with you but will not take your meal. Money should not be given to a caregiver – mail your check to the office. Caregivers also cannot accept tips – they are paid through Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care only.
Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services offer much more than help with day-to-day tasks. We hire active, caring adults who want to help seniors stay safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible, and often the shared life experiences result in a new and beautiful friendship…a way to give and to receive®.
We invite you to learn more about the in-home care services that we provide. No matter what you need, you will discover that a warm, caring, and dedicated caregiver can make all the difference in the world. Please call or text us at 630-324-6086 to learn more about our in-home care services or email us at shsillinois@comcast.net.
You can also visit our website for more information: www.SeniorCareDupageCounty.com.