We encourage you to ask us questions!
Q. When should I consider hiring a caregiver for myself or a loved one?
You should consider hiring a caregiver for yourself or for a loved one when simple tasks in life become difficult to complete, such as, light housekeeping, meal preparation, or even bathing. Other signs could be memory loss, change in social behavior, or increased weight loss.
Q. What can a caregiver do for me or a loved one?
The duties of a caregiver vary depending on the needs of the client. Our employees can provide companionship tasks: light housekeeping, doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, and meal preparation; nurse aide tasks: assistance with bathing, toileting, and incontinence assistance; skilled nursing tasks: tube feeding, ostomy care, dressing changes, etc. In addition to these tasks, our employees could also participate in activities with the client, such as, going for walks, doing exercises, playing games, going on outings or running errands.
Q. What are the benefits of hiring an in-home caregiver?
The greatest thing about hiring an in-home caregiver is that you or your loved one could remain in the comfort of their own home while receiving the care they need to remain happy and healthy. Caregivers are there to not only assist the client, but to also support the family during this difficult time and give them the time they need for themselves.
Q. How much notice do you need in order to start services?
Preferably we would need at least one week notice to begin services, only because there is a process that needs to be completed before the start of service. Although, we could start services ASAP depending on the situation.
Q. Does insurance cover the cost?
The only insurance that covers our services is long-term care insurance.
Q. Do you provide 24 hours service?
Yes, we provide services from 3 hours to 24 hours.
Q. What happens when a caregiver needs time off or gets ill?
If a caregiver needs time off or gets ill we have back up caregivers to fill-in for their scheduled shifts.
Q. What if the services needed are for a couple?
We provide couple care as well in which we help both clients based on their specific needs.
Q. Do we have to pay an initial deposit?
We only ask for a deposit for 24-hour services.
Q. Can we interview the caregiver first?
We do not allow our clients/family to interview our caregivers. We assign caregivers whom we feel will fit best with the specific client. You have the choice on which caregivers you like after trying them out for a day and we can adjust the schedule as necessary.
Q. Are your employees all trained to provide care?
Yes, all of our employees have specific training in a health discipline or have been trained internally through Safe Harbor Homecare, Inc.
Q. How far in advance do we need to notify you the service is not needed on a certain day?
To avoid being charged for the services, we ask to be notified at least 24 hours in advance.
Q. How do I reach someone after hours?
To reach someone after hours, you could call us at our regular number (808)488-8826, phone lines will be transferred to the after-hours phone.
Q. How do I get started?
Once you have decided that you are ready to have services, you could call us to set up a free in-home assessment.
Q. What makes your agency different from the others?
Safe Harbor Homecare, Inc. has earned a reputation in the community for providing compassionate care to the highest standard. Our team of office staff is determined to meet your needs within a timely manner.
Q. Are your employees screened?
All of our employees are submitted into a screening process which includes a work history reference check, criminal background check, screening through Child/Adult Protective Services, and their driver’s abstract.
Q. Do you only take care of seniors?
Our clientele is majority seniors, but we are not limited to the senior community.
Q. Do you provide service in facilities?
Yes, we do provide service in facilities.
Q. Do you charge extra for night or weekend care?
No, we do not charge extra for night or weekend care. The only extra charge would be on holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years).
Q. Is there a charge for the initial consultation?
The initial assessment is free of charge.
Q. Is there a contract for services?
Our company does not have a contract for services.
Q. What is the minimum number of hours required per shift?
Our minimum hours vary from 3-5 hours depending on location.
Q. How often are patient care needs reassessed?
Our field staff supervisors visit each client’s home 1-2 times a month. During these visits they check up on the client to see if there are any changes that may need to be made to the client’s service plan. In addition, they check up on the caregivers to be sure everything is being completed as requested.
Q. Why should I go through an agency as opposed to privately hiring someone?
When you privately hire an individual, you become their employer. It is your responsibility that the individual meets the criteria of being an independent contractor, if not, you will be responsible for paying their tax obligations. In addition, you will be required to pay social security, unemployment, and payroll taxes. If the individual is injured while on the job, their medical bills will fall on you. What may also occur in these situations are physical abuse, as well as, financial exploitation.
Q. How does the scheduling work?
The scheduling is all up to you. You let us know what times will best fit your needs and we will find a caregiver to fit into that time slot who meets the requirements.