FAQs
Q: Are your services available for the elderly in nursing homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities?
A: Yes, HomePartners provides services in any setting, including nursing homes, retirement communities, assisted living centers as well as in private homes. We provide a range of services including companionship and errands as well as transportation to personal appointments for those individuals requiring individual attention or desiring more personalized service.
Q: How do I arrange services?
A: The first step is a quick call to our office at (207) 883-0095 or a brief email sent to info@HomePartnersllc.com. We will answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment for a free introductory meeting.
Q: How do you select and train your HomePartners caregivers?
A: Each of our caregivers has successfully completed a face-to-face interview as well as thorough reference, motor vehicle and criminal background checks. Each member of our staff is an employee, not a subcontractor. Each caregiver is also bonded and insured. All caregivers attend an orientation session, a comprehensive six-hour training program and follow our comprehensive caregivers procedures outlined in the HomePartners Caregivers manual. Caregivers also receive ongoing continuing education on important topics related to elder care.
Q: How does your billing process work?
A: Each client can select who they want to receive the bill. In some instances, the client receives it and in other situations, a family member or legal representative is chosen. Once selected, HomePartners sends out a bill every four weeks. The client does not pay the caregiver directly and no tipping is allowed.
Q: Is there a minimum number of hours?
A: Unlike other companies that provide similar service, HomePartners requires a simple two-hour per week commitment to initiate services. However, we are available to support any schedule that you may request from the two-hour minimum to round the clock, daily care.
Q: What are your rates for service?
A: Our rates are very affordable especially when compared with the financial and emotional cost of moving to an alternative living facility. Each of our plans is individually developed based on your particular circumstances. To determine an effective plan and associated estimated costs, please call our office at (207) 883-0095 or email info@HomePartnersllc.com. Please note: the client does not pay the caregiver directly and no tipping is allowed. Our fees are all inclusive and there are no additional charges except in the case of errands and transportation. If our caregiver provides transportation or runs errands, we compensate them for their travel mileage according to the accepted government rate. That expense is passed along to the individual client.
Q: What can I expect from your Alzheimer’s Consultation?
A: Our staff includes experienced Alzheimer’s caregivers with years of practical experience and training with Alzheimer’s patients. Our consultation provides an opportunity for family members to ask questions, seek advice and learn effective behavioral practices to reduce the stress for all involved. We can also assist in mapping out a plan of action to be ready as symptoms change.
Q: What do you mean by “non-medical” services?
A: “Non-medical” services are those types of services that do not require any “hands-on” assistance. Primarily, this level of service provides companionship, light housekeeping, errand-running or rides to appointments or shopping etc.
Q: What happens if my caregiver is unable to keep a scheduled appointment?
A: Each of our caregivers strives to prioritize your scheduled appointment, but in the unlikely event that your caregiver is not available, we will notify you and make every effort to provide a temporary replacement should you desire.
Q: What is a Client Relations Manager?
A: At HomePartners, the Client Relations Manager meets with families and clients to establish the ideal plan of action. After this evaluation, the CRM selects the appropriate caregiver or team. Once determined, the CRM accompanies the caregiver or team to the client’s home to make introductions. On an ongoing basis, the CRM maintains contact with the family, the client and the caregiver on a regular basis to ensure that all is satisfactory.
Q: What is a Geriatric Care Manager and how do I know if I need one?
A: A Geriatric Care Manager can perform a thorough assessment of the elder’s current situation and develop a plan of recommendations based on that assessment. A GCM also can act on behalf of the elder when other family members are not available. A Geriatric Care Manager can be especially helpful when family members live too far away for regular involvement, when family members feel unable to make necessary decisions, or when other family or work commitments make daily caretaking impossible.
Q: What is included in Light Personal Care services?
A: Included in the list of Light Personal Care services are: bathing, dressing, and transferring. Essentially, this is a helping hand for those who may be unsteady getting in and out of the tub or shower, getting in or out of a chair or car. This level of care does not include lifting, administering medication, or monitoring vital signs.
Q: Why is HomePartners the best choice?
A: There are several differences that set HomePartners apart from the rest and make it the best choice:
- First and foremost is the personal attention and service given to every client and caregiver by the owners and managers of the company.
- HomePartners is locally owned and the owners are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.
- As part of the local community, we are able to develop services that meet the needs of the elder population.
- Our caregivers are the most skilled in their work throughout the area.
- As an organization, we have a mission to deliver service with compassion.
- We will not sacrifice the safety of a client or of a caregiver simply to get more business.
- We may never be the biggest but we are committed to being the best.
Q: Will I have many caregivers or the same individual(s)?
A: HomePartners strives to develop long term relationships with our clients and their families. For those reasons, we focus on assigning the same caregiver or team of caregivers to a client. We do our best to match our clients with the caregivers who have the best skills to meet their needs. Once the right person is selected, they are personally introduced to our clients. The client is always “in charge” and instructs the caregiver on how best to meet their specific needs.
