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Do I have to sign a long term
contract?
Absolutely not. You are not locked into a long term
contract; instead, we set up a tentative schedule that
you can adjust as your needs change. There is a service
agreement that guarantees that we will provide the
services that you need, when you need them. Our services
are customized to meet your needs; however, you choose
the days and times and have the option to stop service
at any time.
Do I have to pay any money up front?
If we are scheduling a substantial number of service
hours per week, we will ask you for a security deposit
equal to two weeks billing. This deposit will be applied
to your last bill at the time you stop service. Any
remaining deposit will be refunded. Billing is every two
weeks, and we ask that you pay promptly for services
rendered.
If I need to get in touch with someone
at the office over the weekend or on nights or holidays
regarding an issue, will someone be available to help
me?
Yes, we have staff members on call during non-office
hours to assist you with urgent service issues. If no
one answers when you call, please leave a message, and
the on-call person will call you back.
Can I hire the caregivers directly
that Neighbors NY sends to my home?
No. We ask all clients to sign a service agreement in
which they agree not to hire our caregivers. We are not
an employment agency, and we work extremely hard to
recruit, train, and retain the best caregivers. If you
were to hire caregivers directly, ours or other people,
you would incur all liability and would be responsible
for ensuring that the caregivers federal and state taxes
and other employment taxes are paid properly and on
time.
Mom needs help and cannot be left
alone. Is an assisted living or nursing home facility
the only option?
In-home care is an excellent alternative to
institutional living. Many people move into institutions
due to the inability to perform simple regular daily
activities such as cooking, cleaning, etc.
Unfortunately, some people decline very rapidly after
moving out of their homes, so the home care option
should be considered as an alternative.
Does my doctor have to prescribe home
care?
No. You doctor only prescribes Home Health Care,
which is the intermittent skilled care that Medicare
pays for. Home care is self-directed personal care where
you maintain full control over your circumstances and
environment while getting the assistance you need to
remain safe and comfortable. If you have Long Term Care
Insurance, let us know. Some policies will assist with
payment for certain services.
Daddy needs help, but is in denial and
won’t let anyone in the house. What do I do?
You are not alone. Many older people resist having
assistance in the beginning. One possible solution is to
ask your father to allow a caregiver to come in one a
week just to ease your mind. We recommend that you start
by investigating all available care options and creating
a plan of care. Then you can gradually add hours as your
father becomes accustomed to and enjoys the company of
the caregiver.
What are the payment options for home
care?
Self pay is the most common. In this case, the client
and/or his family pay us directly for services.
Long-Term Care Insurance is another option. Every
policy is a little bit different, but we will be happy
to assist you in checking on your coverage and filing
your claims.
Workers Compensation Insurance will pay for home care
if the need is created by an on-the-job injury.
The Veteran’s Administration sometimes provides
benefits to veterans and surviving spouses, but the
process can be difficult to navigate and can take time.
If you think you or your loved one may be eligible, we
can put you in touch wimt people who can provide
guidance.
What trainings do your caregivers
undergo?
All caregivers receive training in infection
prevention and control as well as in general conduct.
Individual caregivers are also trained on-site at each
client location. On-going trainings regarding other
caregiving-related topics are conducted at staff
meetings and other caregiver in-services.
May I meet my caregiver before our
first day together?
Yes. Neighbors can arrange for you and your caregiver
to meet prior to beginning services if you would prefer
that.
Will I always have the same caregiver?
Neighbors makes every effort to send the caregiver
with whom you are familiar. If your regular caregiver is
unable to work a scheduled shift due to illness or some
other emergency, we will do everything possible to find
a suitable substitute. Naturally, we will keep you
informed of any changes.
What are the advantages of using a
caregiver service such as yours over hiring someone from
the newspaper or a referral service (private
caregivers)?
All Neighbors caregivers are full employees, and the
company handles all employment taxes. Our caregivers are
also fully insured and bonded and are covered by
Worker's Compensation. All caregivers go through an
intensive screening process, have 24/7 access to
supervision and receive personalized training at your
home. If you do hire privately, it is important to use a
payroll service to ensure that all federal, state, and
Social Security taxes are being paid; otherwise, the
government will come to you for payment of past due
taxes and penalties – not the caregiver.
Why should I choose your service over
another in my area?
Neighbors NY has earned an excellent reputation as a
top-quality caregiver service. Our growth has been due
primarily to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied
clients and their families. In addition, Neighbors NY is
locally owned and operated by Nancy Talarski and Sandra
Fowlkes who live in Queensbury and Glens Falls
respectively.
What areas do you serve?
Our office is located in downtown Glens Falls, but
our coverage area extends into Warren, Washington, and
Saratoga Counties. Please call us for specifics on your
needs.
Are you a local or a national company?
Neighbors NY is locally owned and operated. We are
not a franchise, but we are part of a national
organization of similar businesses. Our affiliation with
The Senior’s Choice provides us with support and helps
us to stay current on new laws and state requirements.
May I receive your services in other
settings besides my home?
Yes. Neighbors NY provides services in nursing homes,
hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living
facilities, and other settings.
Is Neighbors NY a Registry/Referral
Service?
No. All caregivers are employees of Neighbors NY.
Are your employees insured and bonded?
Absolutely. We provide liability and theft insurance.
Will I be responsible for my
caregiver's employment taxes?
No. Neighbors NY pays all employment taxes and also
provides Worker's Compensation.
Will someone from your company come to
my home to conduct an initial assessment?
Yes. Neighbors NY conducts an initial needs
assessment in order to get to know you and see how you
like things done in your home. Information regarding
your health issues, the services you require and your
emergency contacts will be obtained at this time. |
