Frequently Asked Questions.
Here are some questions families often ask:
About Our Company and Services
What is the difference between an employment agency, a home health agency, and a home care agency such as yours?
An employment agency will send a caregiver and charge a set fee. The caregiver then becomes the family’s employee. A home health agency primarily provides nurses - skilled medical care, reimbursable under the federal Medicare program. Family Resource Home Care has chosen to concentrate solely on non-medical home care – helping with the activities of daily living necessary to maintain independence at home.
What is private duty home care?
A private duty home care agency provides non-medical in-home assistance for private pay clients. It does not accept Medicare (health insurance for those over 65 years of age) because a private duty agency does not perform medical care. Private duty agencies will also only rarely be Medicaid providers (health or long-term care programs for low income seniors). Private duty home care agencies do generally accept long-term care insurance. In addition, in order to belong to the National Private Duty Association (NPDA) and the Washington Private Duty Association (WAPDA), the agency must employ at least 95% of its caregiving staff and subscribe to a code of ethics. Family Resource Home Care is proud to be a charter member of both the NPDA and WAPDA.
What services do you provide?
- Assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, walking, exercise, and medications
- Meal planning and preparation
- Errands, shopping, and transportation
- Companionship
- Light housekeeping, including laundry and linens
Are you a franchise?
No! Franchises pay big fees to the franchise company; we put that money into caregiver pay and benefits.
What can’t you do?
We do not provide medical care including procedures such as blood draws, injections, wound care, and administering medications.
What kind of clients do you serve?
All kinds. Some have serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer’s. Some have suffered injuries and need short-term care until they recover. And many have simply grown weaker and less independent with age.
What is your service area?
We serve all of the greater Seattle area including King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties.
Do you have references?
Absolutely! We have many, many satisfied clients who will be glad to talk to you. Call us and we’ll send you a list.
Why do you do this?
We really enjoy knowing that we make a difference in the life not only of the older adult, but the entire family.
How can I be sure that my caregiver will be skilled, honest, and reliable?
Providing the most qualified caregivers is one of the things we do best. We perform thorough reference and criminal background checks – on both a local and national level. We verify Social Security numbers and work eligibility. In addition, our caregivers receive training both in a classroom setting and on-site in client homes. Our staffing supervisors provide ongoing caregiver supervision and stay in regular contact with clients and families.
Nothing, however, can substitute for experience. Most of our staff have worked for us for a while – long enough to have stood the test of time.
Will you send the same caregiver every day?
Our intent is to find a caregiver who will establish a warm and respectful relationship with you. Once we have you set up on a regular schedule, you should have the same caregiver every visit. We can’t guarantee it, however. Caregivers do go on vacation and if, for any reason, your regular caregiver cannot fill an assigned shift, we will send a substitute.
Will my caregiver speak English and be able to drive?
Yes. Fluent written and spoken English is a requirement for all caregivers, and we test to be certain. All our caregivers are required to have a driver's license, insurance, and a good driving record.
How soon can you start?
We will work with you to help meet your needs. We are often able to start care within 24 hours.
Are your services covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid?
No. We have chosen to concentrate solely on private duty home care. However, our services are covered by most long-term care insurance policies.
How much does it cost?
We will be able to tell you an exact bill rate at the time of assessment. Please call our office for a general range of rates.
Do you have a minimum level of service?
Our minimum is two hours per shift.
Do I have to sign a contract for a certain length of time?
No. With 24 hours’ notice, you can cancel service anytime.
Do I pay the caregiver directly?
Our caregivers are our employees, and we are responsible for their pay. We will send you an itemized bill once a month.
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
How about live-in care?
We have many live-in clients. Please call us about our 24-hour rates.
How can we help? Call us and talk to our Client Care Supervisors about your situation. Or Contact Family Resource Home Care.
“I appreciate all your help over these last few years…very professional with individual care and attention, I was especially pleased that I could always call and get prompt attention – particularly in the last weeks of care.”
Linda Blanchard, daughter of LaVerne Blanchard