Question 1

What are the advantages of home care?

Accepted Answer

Many people want to remain at home as long as possible. At home, they are more comfortable, have more control over their schedules, and have a greater sense of choice and autonomy. Many people also experience a gradual need for more help at home rather than a sudden need for 24-hour care. Home care is a flexible and economical alternative to facility care. It allows you to start with as little as six hours a week and add more service when needed.

Question 2

Who can receive in-home care?

Accepted Answer

In-home care is ideal for any adult who needs assistance with normal daily activities.

Question 3

In what areas are your services available?

Accepted Answer

We serve the I-5 corridor in Douglas County, OR, from approximately Yoncalla to Canyonville. Contact us to confirm that our services are available in your neighborhood.

Question 4

How do I know if my loved one needs in-home care?

Accepted Answer

If the person has developed physical or mental challenges that make it difficult to complete normal daily activities, home care is often the ideal solution. For example, seniors may benefit from companionship to alleviate loneliness, help with housework and meals, shopping and transportation to doctor appointments, assistance with showering and personal care, or more complex long-term care needs. Contact us to request a free in-home consultation and we can help you determine if home care is right for you.

Question 5

What kind of services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our services are as unique as the people we serve! We create a customized plan of care, which can include help with bathing/showering and other bathroom needs, grooming, transfers, mobility, meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry, transportation, companionship, medication services, and assistance with prescribed therapies. Contact us for a free in-home consultation to learn which services are best for your situation.

Question 6

How quickly can I arrange for service?

Accepted Answer

It is always our goal to provide services as promptly as possible. Service start dates vary according to where the service will be performed, the level and amount of care, and whether caregivers are available for your specific environment. We strive for the best caregiver match, and will never promise care that does not meet our high standards.

Question 7

How much does the service cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge for people whose care is approved by Medicaid or the Veterans’ Administration. The cost for privately paid services varies according to individual needs. We are happy to provide a free in-home consultation to assess needs and provide you with cost for those services. Contact us any time and we’ll arrange a time that works best with your schedule.

Question 8

Do you require a minimum of hours and days a week in order to provide care?

Accepted Answer

In order to provide the most consistent care, we require a minimum of three hours per shift, twice per week.

Question 9

What are my payment options for home care services?

Accepted Answer

We accept a variety of payment methods, including Veterans’ Administration, Medicaid, long-term care (reimbursement policies), and private pay through check or credit card. We can also bill two entities (such as VA and private, or two family members for the same parent).

Question 10

Are your home care services covered through Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance?

Accepted Answer

Neither Medicare nor health insurance policies currently pay for in-home care in Oregon. Both cover home health, which is a short-term medical service, and a different license. Our services can be paid for by Medicaid. To see if you or your loved one qualified for Medicaid, call 541-440-3580.

Question 11

Is your agency licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are licensed as a comprehensive in-home care agency by the Oregon Health Authority, and our license number is 15-2326.

Question 12

Are your caregivers insured and bonded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Advantage Home Care is insured and bonded and all services are covered.

Question 13

How are your caregivers screened?

Accepted Answer

At least two staff members meet the applicant during an in-house interview. If the applicant seems like a good match for our team, we do reference and background checks. We require at least two positive work references. We conduct Oregon, National, Office of Inspector General, and Sex Offender checks. We require proof of auto insurance and a driver’s license, and check DMV records at least annually.

Question 14

What kind of training do your caregivers receive?

Accepted Answer

We provide eight hours of paid, in-house training within 120 days of hire – the first four hours before a caregiver ever meets a client. All caregivers then receive RN-led training in medication services, bloodborne pathogens, and infection control, and first aid. Caregivers also complete annual continuing education, including cultural competency classes.

Question 15

What makes Advantage Home Care different from other in-home care companies?

Accepted Answer

Everyone on our leadership team has been a caregiver. We understand both client and caregiver needs. This helps us with good client/caregiver matching. We provide excellent training. Staff are available by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support caregivers while they provide client care. Most importantly, we put our caregivers first. We make sure they are fully equipped and supported to provide a higher level of care.

Question 16

Will I be able to reach someone at your agency after hours and how should I do so?

Accepted Answer

We provide a 24-hour answering service for existing clients and caregivers. You are welcome to call for information about starting services or applying for employment any time, and we will return the call during normal business hours.

Question 17

Are your services available in nursing homes or assisted living facilities?

Accepted Answer

We currently provide service to both independent and assisted living residents at Riverview Terrace, and hope to open an office in at least one other independent living community in the near future.

Question 18

What if my caregiver is sick and cannot make it to my house?

Accepted Answer

All of our caregivers are fully trained and equipped to step in if your primary caregiver is sick or taking some time off. We will offer the choice of a replacement or to reschedule service for another day.

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