Home Care Conversation
(for seniors & families)
Home Care Insight
(for those working with seniors & families)
Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
“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.”
daughter of LaVerne Blanchard
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care
Here are some questions families often ask:
About Our Company and Services
What is the difference between an employment agency, a home care agency (also known as private duty home care), and a home health agency?
An employment agency will send a caregiver to your home and charge a set finders or matching fee. The caregiver then becomes the family’s employee. A private duty home care agency provides only non-medical home care – helping with the activities of daily living necessary to maintain independence at home. The caregiver is employed by the home care agency which provides supervision, training and scheduling. A home health agency primarily provides nurses - skilled medical care, reimbursable under the federal Medicare program. (Medicare provides health insurance for those over 65 years of age).A private duty home care agency provides non-medical in-home assistance for private pay clients. It does not accept Medicare because a private duty agency does not perform medical care. In addition, private duty agencies will only rarely be Medicaid providers. (Medicaid provides 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 and we do accept long-term care insurance.
Family Resource Home Care provides a continuum of services that include those services typical of a private duty home care agency as well as those of a home health agency. These services include non-medical assistance and home care services, nurse delegation, and skilled nursing.
Are you a franchise?
No! Franchises pay big fees to the franchise company; we put that money into caregiver pay and benefits.
What kind of clients do you serve?
All kinds. While most of our clients are older adults who have simply grown weaker and less independent with age, many others have serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer’s. Still others may be younger but are disabled or have suffered injuries and need long term care or skilled nursing along with short-term care until they recover. Rest assured that we will have had experience with the challenges you and your family face. Call us to learn how we can help.
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.
Return to top of page
About Our Caregivers
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. Our caregiver turnover rate is very low ― many of our caregivers have been with us for 8, 9, even 10 years. The commitment, support, and respect we give our caregivers, including industry leading pay and benefits, has produced a skilled, dedicated, responsive and loyal staff. We employ honest individuals who have worked with us long enough to have stood the test of time.
