Frequently Asked Questions
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care FAQ
Please find a list below of our most frequently asked questions from people just like you who are looking for home care services in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange and the Chicago suburbs.
Click on the following links to read more:
- How do you select your caregivers?
- Are the caregivers bonded & insured?
- How does Independence-4-Seniors work? Can I be involved in choosing the caregiver and meet them in advance?
- Will the same caregiver come each day/shift?
- How are your caregivers trained?
- Are home care services covered by insurance or Medicare?
- If I change my mind, do I have to keep the service?
- How long have you been in business?
- Why should I use Independence-4-Seniors instead of hiring a caregiver privately?
- Do I pay the caregiver directly?
- What is the cost for these services?
- Do you provide assistance with insurance billing and claims submission?
- Do I need a physician’s authorization/prescription?
- What if I need changes to my services?
- What services are provided?
- Can Independence-4-Seniors help with medications?
- What are the profiles of typical clients served by Independence-4-Seniors?
How do you select your Caregivers?
All caregivers are interviewed in person and must meet our strict criteria for employment. Our criteria include a minimum of 2 years prior experience as a caregiver for seniors, references that support their experience and character, and the ability to speak, read, and write the English language. Many of the caregivers we employ are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Are the caregivers bonded & insured?
Yes. Every Independence-4-Seniors caregiver is a bonded employee of our agency and is covered by general liability and workers compensation insurances.
How does Independence-4-Seniors work? Can I be involved in choosing the caregiver and meet them in advance?
Yes. We start our process by focusing on the client. Each person’s situation is evaluated by a Registered Nurse during a complimentary initial assessment. Only after this thorough assessment is completed do we begin the process of selecting a caregiver for the client that is matched to the client’s individual needs and preferences. Once selected, the caregiver is scheduled for an interview/meeting with the client.
Will the same caregiver come each day and shift?
A primary caregiver is assigned to each client. While we strive to maintain continuity, there are occasions when a second caregiver may need to be assigned. This may include situations involving vacations, family emergencies, sickness, or significant hourly care requirements.
How are your caregivers trained?
Independence-4-Seniors, Inc. provides eight (8) hours of basic training for each home service worker. Training complies with the Illinois Department of Public Health home services agency licensure regulation. Additionally, home services workers complete eight (8) hours of training during each year of employment.
Are home care services covered by insurance or Medicare?
Medicare and traditional supplemental health insurance policies do not cover our services. However, Long Term Care Insurance policies do cover our services and most often pay a significant % of the daily rate charged.
If I change my mind, do I have to keep the service?
No. You have the right to terminate services at any time.
How long have you been in business?
Independence-4-Seniors has been providing our home care services since 2002.
Why should I use Independence-4-Seniors instead of hiring a caregiver privately?
Independence-4-Seniors, Inc. handles all of the Payroll Tax Liabilities, Employment Verification, Worker’s Compensation and Liability/Bonding insurance issues. When choosing to hire a caregiver privately, the client or responsible party must assume these duties. The owner/employees are both healthcare professionals with extensive experience in clinical practice, home care and long term care. We employ a Registered Nurse who performs all client assessments and supervises each caregiver. The owners have each had personal family experiences in arranging and caring for older adults. Additionally, the company’s selection process for caregivers allows us to deliver a level of service that is unsurpassed in the industry.
Do I pay the caregiver directly?
Independence-4-Seniors, Inc. pays the caregiver weekly and manages payroll and taxes for each caregiver. Taxes are deducted from each paycheck and submitted to Federal and State governments as required.
What is the cost for these services?
To discuss the exact rates for the services you desire, contact Independence-4-Seniors directly. We will provide you with a complementary in-home assessment and discuss the rate structure and available options in detail. A written rate sheet is provided prior to the initiation of services, and rates will never be increased without at least a 30 day notice.
Do you provide assistance with insurance billing and claims submission?
If a client requests our assistance with billing a private insurance policy (such as long-term care insurance) for our services, we are happy to help coordinate the process, including the provision of appropriate documentation so you may submit claims and be reimbursed by the insurance carrier.
Do I need a physician’s authorization/prescription?
No, there is no pre-authorization required. Nor is there any certification, pre-qualification, or doctor’s prescription required. You start the services when you want, and you decide how much or how little home care service you would like.
What if I need changes to my services?
We are very flexible with our service and understand the care situation can quickly change. We can adjust schedules with adequate notice. At the client and family’s discretion, care plan changes can typically be established within a few days.
What services are provided?
Our caregivers help with the activities of daily living that provide individuals a way to remain independent and safe in their own homes. We take care of a range of needed services including but not limited to the following:
- Preparing nutritious meals
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping
- Shopping and errands
- Alzheimer's/Dementia care
- Transportation to doctor appointments, and other events
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Companionship and support
- Hospice Assistance
Can Independence-4-Seniors help with medications?
Yes. One of the most commonly requested services is medication reminders. Reminding clients to take their medications, reporting side effects, and assisting with pre-measured medication packages are all ways in which we can help. Although our caregivers cannot administer medications, they can assist the individual who shares in the responsibility of taking his or her own medication.
What are the profiles of typical clients served by Independence-4-Seniors?
Our clients are primarily elderly persons who prefer to remain living in their own homes and require some level of assistance. However, we also provide caregivers to persons who live in retirement communities, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, we provide services to persons of all ages who are recovering and rehabilitating from surgery or an injury. We can also provide a “respite” for a primary family caregiver (e.g. a wife caring for a husband or a daughter caring for her mother).
Independence-4-Seniors provides home care services in Cook, DuPage, Will and Kane Counties in the State of Illinois. Contact us at (630) 323-4665 today if you have questions or would like to schedule a complimentary assessment.
Resources
- Helping Persons with ALS Live a Full Life in the Comfort of Home
- Difficult Decisions Made Easier Through Assessments
- Accepting a Little Help to Maintain Independence at Home
- Medication Management: Home Care’s Assistance Reduces Hospital Readmissions
- Recognizing Warning Signs over the Holidays that Care is Needed
Thank you so much for providing my father with such quality care during his stay in the hospital. It was so comforting to know he was in good hands when we were unable to be by his side.
