FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions about Caregiver Services we provide in the Atlanta Metro

FAQ’s2017-07-14T17:35:31+00:00

Should you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call. We believe in open communication between families, care recipients and caregivers. We want you to feel completely comfortable.

How do I notify you of openings that we need to fill?2017-07-14T17:30:17+00:00

You can notify us by a phone call or email. If you need to fill an immediate opening, we do recommend that you call our office.  A staff member is available to 24/7 and we do provide cell phone numbers of all management.

How can I verify a shift was completed?2017-07-14T17:30:17+00:00

Silver Companions uses several tools to track our caregivers. First, we use simple timesheets filled out by each caregiver for every shift. Then, we use a combination of Telephony and Internet-based solutions to verify time and attendance. This allows us to have a written record of services within the environment of where care is provided. And we can provide written verification at any time upon request.

How Do I Start?2017-07-14T17:30:18+00:00

Either call us at 678-494-8129 or e-mail us at info@silvercompanions.com. We will meet you at a time and a place that is convenient to you. This meeting is FREE of charge, and the purpose is to evaluate your needs and your expectations of Silver Companions. When care starts, a staff member will personally make the introduction of the caregiver to the client.

How long have you been in business?2017-07-14T17:30:18+00:00

We were founded in February, 2006 in Woodstock, GA.

Do I have to sign a contract?2017-07-14T17:30:18+00:00

No. Silver Companions is here to meet your needs, and as your needs change, so will the services you receive. Our service agreement reflects this and adjusts to meet changing needs. You can always cancel services when YOU want. We do ask that you give us a 24-hour notice for pre-determined shifts. Giving us time to maintain caregiver dedication and continuity for our clients.

Are home care services covered by insurance or Medicare?2022-03-23T17:46:42+00:00

Sometimes. If you have Long Term Care Insurance, we can work with provider to help determine benefits and process initial and ongoing paperwork. Medicare does provide an Eligibility Tool to see if your family member qualifies, but they typically don’t pay for the type of hourly personal care service that is home care. Some Medicare Advantage Plans will cover care if your Doctor prescribes it.

Additionally, Silver Companions has preferred relationships with many companies who either fully reimburse or partially reimburse for home care. Typical accounts for reimbursement include reverse mortgage, health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts. We also work with payment programs like the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit, which is a benefit paid in addition to the monthly pension paid to Veterans and surviving spouses who require our services. Please call us, and we will be happy to help you determine what benefits you may have.

There are also a variety of state and federal programs, initiatives and tax credits that can significantly lower your family’s tax burden, actually reducing the overall cost of care. Research the following options to find out if your family member qualifies: Alzheimer’s Respite Care, Elderly and Disabled Tax Credit, Federal Elderly Care Tax Credit, LIHEAP – Aid for Energy Costs, Medical Expense Tax Deductions, NFCSP Respite Care, State Elderly Care Tax Credit and Veteran’s Affairs Respite Care.

How Much Does It Cost?2017-07-14T17:30:18+00:00

We are paid on an hourly basis. Shorter shifts are generally billed at a higher rate than longer shifts.

Lately, more long-term care insurance companies are covering this option, however, home care is still principally paid for by the seniors themselves or their families. Silver Companions rates are much more affordable than the national average, but hourly rates depend largely on the frequency and duration of the service as well as the scheduling needs. There’s also the issue of a senior’s preferences. If a parent or loved one is happiest at home, the cost of additional care may very well be worth it. To offer you the highest quality caregiver and continuity, we do require a four hour minimum.

Long Term Care and Veterans benefits will also help cover some of the cost of care. We will gladly help you process both Long Term Care Insurance and Veterans benefits to help offset the cost of care.

Medicare does not pay for home care.

Is there any additional cost to me?2017-07-14T17:30:18+00:00

No. Every agreement is clear and transparent; there are no hidden fees. The most typical additional cost you may incur is mileage when you ask your caregiver to run errands in their personal vehicle.

What if I am unsatisfied with my caregiver?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Although our caregivers are carefully selected and matched for each client, sometimes a client wants to change caregivers. If you are unsatisfied with your caregiver for any reason, they will be replaced and we will do so at no charge, as many times as necessary until you are perfectly satisfied. It is of the utmost importance to us that you are not only comfortable with your companion, but that you look forward to them coming over.

What if a caregiver is sick or unable to report to work?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Silver Companions will provide another caregiver as soon as possible. The replacement will have the necessary requirements to assist your needs.

Are your caregivers insured and bonded?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Yes. Every caregiver is a Silver Companions employee. To help ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, we cover each caregiver with general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

How do you select my caregiver?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

All of our caregivers have successfully passed a thorough reference and criminal background check and are bonded and insured. We match your specific needs and requests to the skills and background of each caregiver to find the ideal Companion. We encourage your involvement in the decision-making process. We hand select each caregiver by carefully assessing the needs and personalities of both caregiver and client. You can rest assured that we do our best to match the right caregiver to you and your family. However, you must be satisfied and want you to help choose.

Will my family member always receive care from the same caregiver?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Our goal is to establish a long-term caregiving relationship with your loved one. Should your family want to request another caregiver for any reason, we’ll search for a match until your family is happy. We understand that a strong rapport and trust with a caregiver is vital to a successful home care experience.

If your loved one receives care for many hours in a day or at different times of the day throughout the week, it may be necessary to schedule more than one caregiver in a given week. If your family requires multiple caregivers, our goal is the same: we want you to be satisfied and happy. We’ll do what it takes to make sure we achieve that goal.

Can Silver Companions help with medications?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

According to Georgia state law, we cannot administer medications; however they can always assist in reminding individuals to take their medications. In fact, medication reminders are one of our most requested services. We can assist with pre-measured medication packages.

How can I verify a shift was completed?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Silver Companions uses several tools to track our caregivers. First, we use simple timesheets filled out by each caregiver. Then, we use a combination of Telephony and Internet-based solutions to verify time and attendance. This process allows you to have a written record of services provided in the home. And we can give written verification at any time.

Do I pay the caregiver directly?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

No. You (or an authorized representative) are only invoiced after the completion of services. Usually, this happens bi-weekly. You never have to pay caregivers directly. And you’ll never be asked to pay an additional fee to any employee.

Can you do short term senior care?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Yes. Our care is always determined by what you need. We will not oversell you on services. We will work with you to create a plan of care specific to your individual needs.

Can you care for someone in a facility (hospital, nursing home, or assisted living)?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Yes. We provide services to you wherever you call home, including Hospitals, Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Rehabilitation facility, Continuing Care Communities, and home.

How often do I get billed for services?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

Billing is sent on a bi-weekly basis.

What is Home Care and is it different than Home Health?2017-07-14T17:30:49+00:00

We provide home care. Home care is a service that helps those in need by assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) Examples include: bathing, grooming, dressing, and transferring, ambulating, meal preparation. To continue living life from the comfort of his or her home, one may choose home care. Home care is a model that can include both professional and informal support networks such as professional caregivers, family, neighbors, and friends. Home Care paid privately, but in some cases, we can accept Veteran’s Benefits or Long Term Care.

Home health refers primarily to a home health care agency that is usually a medical variety of home care and provides mainly skilled care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for homebound patients. In most cases, these individuals do not stay for longer than an hour and are paid by Medicare benefits.

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