FAQs
Q: What are companion care or caregiver services?
A: Companion care and caregiver services are provided to individuals who need non-medical assistance with activities of daily living and prefer to maintain an independent lifestyle. These services are often sought by the elderly, disabled individuals, and those transitioning from a hospital or medical facility to home.
Q: How do I determine the type of care my loved one needs?
A: We can help you with that. We will schedule a complimentary in-home assessment for your loved one and from that we will develop a plan of care which is shared with the person receiving care as well as their family and friends.
Q: What kind of legal documents must I have in order to make decisions for my loved one? What other information should I have organized in one place?
A: You should have the following legal documents:
- General Durable Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
You should also have the following non-legal information organized in one place:
- Family and friends contact sheet
- Health insurance card and information
- Health care contact sheet
- List of medications
- Pharmacy phone number
Q: What are ADLs?
A: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). There are six basic categories of ADLs:
- Hygiene (bathing, grooming, shaving and oral care)
- Continence
- Dressing
- Eating (the ability to feed oneself)
- Toileting (the ability to use a restroom)
- Transferring (actions such as going from a seated to standing position and getting in and out of bed)
Q: How are your caregivers selected? What kind of training do they receive? Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
A: The Screening Process: Candidate caregivers are interviewed twice by members of our senior management. Following the interview process, a minimum of three (3) professional references are checked and a criminal background check is conducted with the Illinois State Police and federal authorities. All caregivers are bonded and covered under the agency liability policy. An employee must also provide the results of a recent TB screening before being hired.
The Education Process: All caregivers receive extensive orientation about our beliefs and standards of care as well as customized training to interact effectively with people of different cultures. This orientation is conducted by a registered nurse as well as members of the management team.
Caregiver education is ongoing: Each caregiver must complete eight hours of continuing education annually. These include self-study packets as well as workshops on emerging senior care topics. Training topics include Alzheimer's/Dementia, LGBT seniors, Cancer Recovery, Heart Disease, Parkinson's and Stroke.
The Evaluation Process: All caregivers are supported by a supervisor who ensures the caregiver understands the individual care plan for the client. Supervisors are always available for caregiver questions and concerns and make frequent client home visits. Caregivers are evaluated on an ongoing basis and receive written performance evaluations by our management team.
Communication skills: Our caregivers must speak, read and write English. Our caregivers believe in building personal relationships with the people they care for. We train our caregivers to encourage our clients by emphasizing their strengths and skills.
Q: Are you licensed?
A. Yes. We are licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health as a Home Services Agency. We are in full compliance with all standards set forth in the Administrative Code for licensure in the State of Illinois.
Q. What happens if the caregiver gets sick?
A: Our supervisor will assign another qualified Support Solutions caregiver as soon as possible.
Q: What happens if I become dissatisfied with the caregiver?
A: Compatibility is very important to us. In fact, we pride ourselves on making excellent matches. If a change needs to be made we will do so quickly.
Q: Who pays the caregiver?
A: All of our caregivers are employees of Support Solutions Home Care. We pay their salaries along with all of the taxes and workers' compensation that are required by federal law.
Q: How quickly can I start getting your services?
A: We can have one of our caregivers assigned and in your home within 24 hours of the in-home assessment, and many times that same day.
Q: Will I be able to speak to a supervisor at any time, 24/7?
A: Yes. We have at least one supervisor on duty at all times. You will speak directly with a supervisor at the time you call or you will receive a call back shortly.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Submit an online request or phone our Support Solutions Home Care office at 877-503-3768 to speak with one of our supervisors. To help you and your family with this process, Support Solutions Home Care offers a free in-home assessment. Every in-home assessment is conducted with a registered nurse.
Our evaluation includes:
- An in-home assessment
- A care plan recommendation
During your first caregiver visit, a member of our management team will be present to coordinate your personalized plan and answer any questions. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost evaluation.
Q: We are planning a visit to the Chicago area. Can you help us take care of a family member during our visit?
A: Yes. We would be happy to help you and your loved one enjoy your time in the Chicago area. We can provide services wherever you have made your accommodations. Please try to make arrangements with us in advance of your arrival.
Q: I am a medical professional. How can I refer patients to Support Solutions Home Care?
A: Simply call us at 877-503-3768 or contact us via the Contact Page. A member of our management team will speak with you about your patient. We will then contact the family directly. Once arrangements have been made, we will phone you to confirm that we have begun providing services to your patient.
Q: Do you coordinate with other health care services?
A: Yes. We can coordinate our home care services with your primary care physician, oncologist, physical therapist, internist, orthopedic surgeon, gerontologist, hospice provider and any other medical or non-medical specialist who is caring for you or your loved one.
Q: What are your rates and minimum hours of service?
A: Our rates and services vary depending on the level of care your friend or loved one might need. Please phone our office and one of our managers will speak with you about the services we offer.
Q: How does the cost of your services compare with assisted living or nursing care?
A: In many cases in-home care costs less than an assisted living facility and a nursing home. If skilled care is not needed around the clock, home care allows you to create a customized, flexible care plan that will meet your needs and your budget. Studies show that 95% of those needing care would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
Q: Do you provide services in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living residences?
A: Yes. Support Solutions Home Care's caregivers provide companionship and added personal attention to people in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facility.
Q: Is the cost of Support Solutions Home Care's services covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Long-term care insurance pays for our services. These policies vary but usually cover part or all of our services. We will help you evaluate the policy, answer questions you may have and work with your insurance provider to help initiate in-home care services. At this time, Medicare does not pay for non-medical services in the home.
Q: Do you have a glossary of medical and non-medical terms I can have for reference?
A: Yes. Click here to download a complete list of medical and non-medical terms.
