Care process
Free in-home consultation
A free in-home consultation is a no-cost visit or conversation in which a care provider learns about a person's needs and explains services. It does not commit the family to buy. HomeCare.com says its care advisors offer a free consultation to families.
Why it matters for your family
A consultation lets a family ask questions before choosing care. Expect questions about the person's health, routine, home and goals. Ask about hours, caregiver screening, backup plans and what the provider cannot do. HomeCare.com states that it offers a free consultation, and that its caregivers give non-medical care only. A common mistake is to treat the visit as a decision meeting. Take notes and compare more than one provider. Ask who will be in the home, how quickly care can begin and how billing works. Ask whether the format is in person, by phone or online. New families can call 800-974-3458.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: Contact HomeCare.com
Related terms
- Care advisorA care advisor is a person who helps a family understand home care options, share needs and arrange care.
- Care assessmentA care assessment is a review of a person's health, abilities, home and support to decide what help they need.
- IntakeIntake is the first step in starting care, when a provider gathers basic information about the person, their needs, location and family contacts.
- Needs assessmentA needs assessment is a structured review of what help a person needs and what support they already have.
- Start of careStart of care is the day a caregiver begins working with a client under an agreed plan.
- Caregiver matchA caregiver match is the pairing of a caregiver with a client based on needs, skills, schedule, location and personality.
