"I have used AgeWell both professionally and personally and their dedication to dignity and quality sets them apart."
~
Sarah Anderson,
LICSW - United Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
AgeWell wants to make your experience in analyzing, selecting and working with a service provider a great one. In our experience, many clients and loved ones have to make important decisions quickly and under stressful circumstances. Therefore, we have put together a list of the many questions that are asked of us in order to assist you. We have then taken it one step further and developed a tool on "HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME-BASED SERVICE PROVIDER". Click here. This tool highlights the many service features, standards and best practices that AgeWell has, demonstrating the professionalism, experience and expertise that creates the value that our clients are looking for.
Here is a collection of the most frequently asked questions about the wide range of services provided by AgeWell Home Care:
Q: How do we get started?
A: To learn more, or set up a FREE interview or assessment, just call 952-345-8770 or toll-free
at 1-866-869-8770 and one of our customer service representatives will immediately assist you.
Q: Is there a charge for an assessment?
A:
Not only do we offer FREE assessments, we offer them within 2 hours of the initial call!
We understand the short timelines and strain that clients and families are sometimes under
when trying to create a safe and cost effective plan.
Q: Do you have references I can speak with?
A:
YES, AgeWell has built a strong reputation and believes the best way for our potential
customers to learn about us is through past or existing customers. We will provide you with
a list of references at your request.
Q: When are your home care services available?
A:
The most common services requested are Professional Care Management and Caregiving. Our
caregiving is available hourly (4-24 hours), or on a 24-hour Live-In basis. Because each
client's requirements are unique, we offer free assessments to establish a plan and determine
all options and associated costs.
Q: How do you select your caregivers?
A:
AgeWell has the most strict hiring criteria in the business which includes; written exams,
skills competency testing by a Registered Nurse, thorough background, DMV and reference checks.
We also require that our caregivers have, at a minimum, one year's experience in home care or in
a skilled facility. We only hire approximately 20% of all applicants - we only want the best.
Q: How do you train your caregiving employees?
A:
Every AgeWell caregiver participates in an extensive training and orientation program
before providing care to clients. Education in-services are provided quarterly to ensure
caregivers receive an additional eight hours of continuing education per year.
Q:
Are your services available for the seniors in nursing homes or assisted living facilities?
A:
Yes, we provide both care management and caregiving services to clients living in facility
settings who require additional attention and/or personalized assistance.
Q: What makes AgeWell Home Care different from other companies?
A:
See the "Why Choose Us" link on the Home page. AgeWell has many features that lead
the industry in providing seniors and their loved ones a single source for reliable, cost
effective solutions at home.
Q: What happens if my caregiver is sick?
A:
AgeWell has over 150 employees and have the resources and systems that enable us to
guarantee a replacement. We have AgeWell staff on call 24 hours to ensure we are always
available to you get the services you need when you want them.
Q: Who pays the caregiver - you or me?
A:
AgeWell Home Care handles all the billing, payroll, taxes, insurance and administrative
responsibilities. We employ all of our staff to ensure the security and convenience you are looking for.
Q: What are your rates and minimum hours of service?
A:
AgeWell may not offer the "lowest price in town", but we do offer the "BEST VALUE" at
a competitive price. We have a four hour minimum. Please contact AgeWell Home Care for specific
rate information.
Q: How do you match caregivers with clients?
A:
Caregivers are carefully matched to clients to optimize the relationship and value to
each unique client. Our experienced Staffing Supervisors and Professional Care Managers work
together with the client and family to match the best caregiver based on personalities, skills,
expertise, availability, and interests.
Q: How are the caregivers supervised?
A:
All AgeWell caregivers are carefully supervised by a Professional Care Manager and
Staffing Supervisor. Based on the services requested, your personal Care Manager will visit
regularly to review your plan of care and ensure that the caregiver is providing appropriate
and high quality care. Our 24-hour service allows clients, caregivers, and their supervisors
to be in contact on weekends and throughout the night, for added support and security.
Q: My mother is in an assisted living facility but could
benefit from some additional 1:1 personal care and companionship. Can AgeWell help?
A:
We provide care wherever our clients call home. We have several clients that live in
facilities that receive our services. Our Professional Care Managers are great advocates
and provide out of state family the updates and assurances to provide peace of mind.
Q: My siblings and I can't seem to agree about what to
do with our mother, who has dementia. What is my next step?
A:
AgeWell Home Care has the expertise to handle challenging situations. One of our
Professional Care Managers can act as an objective mediator for you and your loved ones. Our
goal is to be a resource and provide you with options that are available in the community
to help you make the best informed decisions for you and your loved ones.
Q: Who regulates AgeWell?
A:
AgeWell Home Care is licensed by the Department of Health as a class "A" home care provider.
We hold the highest license available in the state to provide confidence to our clients and families.
Q: Would it be less expensive to hire a private person to provide
home care services?
A:
Hiring privately is one option to consider. This option is initially less expensive, but
increases your risk in many areas including: 1) the cost and time of hiring and re-hiring
unqualified, untrained and unsupervised staff, 2) tax, insurance and professional and worker's
compensation liability exposure, 3) reliability issues and many additional items that we would
welcome the opportunity to discuss with you.
We understand the temptation to choose the home care option that is the least expensive.
We believe that over time our comprehensive service model results in significant cost savings,
as well as improved overall health status for our clients.
Q: Why do healthcare professionals recommend AgeWell?
A:
Many professional physicians, social workers, discharge planners, conservators and
senior organizations depend on AgeWell when they are recommending care management, caregiving
and other community based home care solutions. Our testimonials on this web site speak to the
passion, experience and expertise AgeWell staff possesses. We will do whatever it takes to
create value for you and your loved ones.
Q: Do we have to sign a contract?
A:
AgeWell has a service agreement that states the services, rates and other information.
The agreement allows you to cancel service at any time and has no long-term commitment.
Q: What if home care does not work?
A:
AgeWell will work with you to evaluate all your options if home care is no longer an option.
Our Care Managers are experts in the community and work closely with many nursing homes, assisted
living facilities, group homes and other housing alternatives. We will work with you and your
loved ones to do the research to ensure that the next step is the best for all parties involved.
Q: What if my mother does not like the caregiver?
A:
Our goal is to ensure you and your loved ones are 100% satisfied. If the match is not
good, we will work with you until it is a great fit. We have over 150 employees and will work
hard to ensure we find the caregivers that work the best for you.
Q: Does insurance pay for home care services?
A:
AgeWell accepts private pay and Long Term Care Insurance as sources of payment.
Unfortunately, Medicare, Medicaid and Supplemental Insurances do not pay for the services we provide.
Q: Can your caregivers transport my father to doctors'
appointments?
A:
YES, AgeWell can transport clients in their vehicle or under certain circumstances our
employee's vehicles. We carry additional insurance to protect you and your loved ones.