Frequently Asked Questions
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WholeCare Connections Philosophies of Care
~ What is your philosophy of care, what is your mission statement?
Our mission: As a licensed Non-Medical Home Care Service provider, WholeCare Connections improves the quality of life for seniors and disabled persons, through comprehensive solutions, unique to them, addressing all aspects of the person ~ body, mind, and spirit. Our philosophy of care is "whole care".
~ What type of family caregiver support do you offer?
We support families in caring for their loved ones to the degree they are seeking. We have many levels of service to offer and tailor our care to your specific needs.
~ Why should I use you over another agency?
We specialize in the full spectrum of home-based, private duty caregiving services. WholeCare Connections, Inc. promises a unique model including detailed assessments, engaged, experienced caregivers, customized care plans, reliable communication, oversight and most importantly a heart and passion for service, every day. We are locally owned and have the highest level of client and community responsibility unlike any other.
~ Do you set up and identify a clear plan of care? If so, how is this
set up and what does it include? How do we communicate
and modify as care
needs change?
If so, how is this set up and what does it include? How do we communicate and modify as care needs change? Yes, we are unique in this process of assessing for the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs and goals of our clients. We develop a comprehensive care plan that is delivered to the client within the first week of service. This care plan specifies needs and goals, and how we will implement meeting those goals. A communication section for the family/caregiver to write/read as well as our Family Care Coordinator to monitor. This document becomes a permanent record of the office. Long Term Insurance companies sometimes require these notes as well. There is also a resource section specific to each individual, for educational purposes of the caregiver.
~ Does the same caregiver come each time?
When we begin services and match a specific caregiver to your loved ones unique situation, that same caregiver will come each time. There are times that someone will need off for a scheduled event or an emergency and we will have a backup caregiver for you if that is what you prefer.
~ What happens if a caregiver is not a "good fit" for my loved one?
At WholeCare Connections, upon our initial visit we assess for your loved ones personality likes and dislikes in order to be able to match your needs and goals to the skill set and personality of one of our professional caregivers. If it is not a fit we would like to know sooner rather than later so we can find a suitable replacement.
~ May I contact others who have used this service?
Yes, you may contact anyone that you know that has used our services and if you would like to speak with any families we have previously served we can ask their permission for you to contact them.
~ How do I get started?
Please call us or email us to allow us to gather some information to determine a time that will fit your schedule for an assessment.
Credentials of Caregivers
~ How do you screen your employees?
We do a thorough background screen with ADP. Our screen consists of a national background screen, elder abuse registry, sexual abuse registry, and a motor vehicle report. We require a recent TB skin test or x-ray and CPR certification. Our employees are referrals from other caregivers and are interviewed using our customized interview process determining a passion in caregiving.
~ Do you provide continuing education for your employees?
Yes, we do provide our own unique curriculum which focuses not only on the technical aspects of caregiving but the emotional as well as the personal lives of the caregiver. We care for our caregivers as well as our clients. We seek to build people so in turn we have caregivers who are wonderful people but also wonderful community members, parents, friends etc.
~ What do you look for in a caregiver/employee and how are they supported by your company?
We look for someone who has professional appearance, good observational skills, good communication skills, a quiet self confidence, an open mind and a sense of humor and is a creative thinker. They will use good judgement and exemplify competence.
~ Are your employees evaluated for personal health issues such as TB?
Yes, we require our employees to provide a current TB skin test and to update that annually.
~ What happens in the event a caregiver is ill or doesn't show up for work?
The caregiver will communicate with our staffing coordinator and depending on what the client prefers for us to do then we will either send a backup caregiver or the normally scheduled caregiver will resume upon their ability to do so.
Insurance and Payment Policies
~ Who pays for these services?
Private Duty Non-Medical Caregiving services are generally paid through private pay resources. Long Term Care Insurance does pay for services depending on the specific qualification process of each Long Term Care Insurance company.
~ Do you accept Medicare and/or Medicaid?
No, we do not accept either of these payment sources. Medicare reimburses for medical expenses and Medicaid is a financial qualification process. You may contact the Medicaid office to see if you qualify. There is a Medicaid Waiver program that is specifically for non-medical support in the home.
~ Do you have workman's compensation and liability insurance?
Yes, we have both Workers Compensation Insurance as well as Professional and General Liability Insurance. We also carry Bonding Insurance and Non-Owned Auto Insurance.
~ How do you bill?
We bill weekly unless otherwise agreed upon.
~ Am I required to sign a contract?
No, we don't have a contract that is binding to length of time or hours. We do however have an agreement for services that we require.
~ How do I get started?
Please call us or email us to allow us to gather some information to determine a time that will fit your schedule for an assessment.