Frequently Asked Questions
Our rates are based upon the length of visit and the specific needs of each client. It is not fair to provide a price over the phone without fully understanding the situation and the specific needs. To get a specific quote or to schedule a free, non-obligatory assessment, please contact us.
How does a live-in work?
Depending on the length of a live-in, Amy’s Helping Hands will usually provide 2-3 caregivers throughout the week. These caregivers usually do 2-4 day shifts. Live-ins can be a wonderful alternative to a facility if the client is sleeping well at night.
What are my payment options?
There are a variety of payment options, the most popular ones are listed below. Please take note that our kinds of services are non-medical in nature and are not covered by OHIP.
Private Pay – We accept personal checks, all major credit cards, and debit cards.
Veterans Affairs Canada– If you are a veteran, VAC Health Identification Cards are accepted.
Long-term care insurance – If you have a long-term care insurance policy, it will often pay for the care provided by Amy’s Helping Hands. Since each policy is unique, please talk to your insurance company to verify coverage.
Reverse Mortgages – Call us and we can refer you to a mortgage specialist who can answer questions on this funding resource.
What kind of insurance should a non-medical home care provider have?
One of the benefits of using Amy’s Helping Hands is that we carry workers compensation and liability/bond insurance on our caregivers. If a private caregiver or a company does not have this coverage, the liability costs fall on the client or family member.
Do we have to sign a contract for a certain length of time?
No. To begin services we require a signed service agreement that doesn’t obligate you for any specific time. The purpose of the agreement is to review our services and to outline expectations.
How does billing work?
We bill for services already rendered. We send out an itemized bill twice a month that is due upon receipt. We have many clients who authorize us to bill their major credit card for every invoice.
Do you provide care outside the home?
As the saying goes, “home is where the heart is.” Often we provide care in hospitals, assisted living communities, retirement homes, nursing homes, and other places because clients may require extra attention or have constant personal care needs.
Continuity of Care - What happens if a caregiver is sick or needs vacation?
Continuity of Care is very important to us and we try to ensure that we have the same consistent caregiver(s) scheduled for your care needs.
Amy’s Helping Hands boasts having a large staff of professional caregivers so we can provide quick and responsive coverage when a caregiver is sick or requests time off. Because we provide a detailed care plan, which is left at each client’s home, our caregivers know exactly what needs to be done when filling in for someone else. We also communicate with the caregiver, client and family members of this change to make sure they are comfortable with the temporary person we are sending.
How are your Home Care Professionals selected?
Each applicant is thoroughly screened with our 5-point screening system. This system includes: (1) Computer based pre-employment assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, personality and aptitudes. (2) Group Interview (3) Individual interview; (4) In-depth Criminal and driving record investigation/check and (5) Comprehensive personal and professional reference checks. Each Care Professional is directly employed by Amy’s Helping Hands and are therefore bonded and insured.
Do you pay your Home Care Professionals or do we?
The last thing you need to worry about is figuring out payroll and taxes for our Home Care Professionals. Amy’s Helping Hands takes that responsibility from you and handles all payroll related duties. This includes wages, taxes, insurance and reimbursements.
Are you the same as a home health company?
Many people that call us in the office are confused with what they want, what to expect and where to get the help that they need. After explaining the difference between a home health company and a personal care company, they are relieved to know that they can pick their own hours and have someone come when it is needed, not when it is convenient for the company. We schedule caregivers according to the needs and personality of the client. We match these two things so that we have happy clients and happy caregivers. We have some of the best caregivers and clients in Windsor and Essex county!
Where do personal care agencies fit in the health care industry?
Personal care agencies, sometimes referred to as home care agencies, are different from home health agencies and hospice agencies; yet they work closely together to address many of the needs of our elderly population.
Personal care agencies, like Amy’s Helping Hands, carry liability insurance as well as workers compensation for their aides or caregivers. These agencies do all things non-medical to help seniors stay safe and comfortable at home (wherever home happens to be).
For the most part OHIP does not cover these non-medical needs. Home health agencies through government sponsored funding can send an aide into the senior's home to assist with personal care and sometimes more only during daytime and some evening hours. This is governed by the medical model directive through the province of Ontario. Personal care agencies like Amy's Helping Hands are there to provide assisted living services any time day or night. These services include housekeeping, personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting, personal hygiene, etc.), companionship (reading, visiting, games, exercise, etc.), transportation (doctor visits, grocery runs, errands, etc.), and any other reasonable requests.
Some clients need help through the night. Other clients have spouses or children who need a break and we assist for a few hours one or several times a week. We have many clients who say they don't know how they'd do it without us. We are grateful for their gratitude and their willingness to let us serve their needs.
Home health and hospice agencies provide a number of needed services in the home as well including medical attention, nursing care, pain management, prescription delivery and administration, social work , counselling, physical therapy and much more. Working together we can help seniors enjoy their homes and their family and friends through the final years of their lives.
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