Home Care Orlando | Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the frequently asked questions asked when trying to choose home care for yourself or a loved one.

How do I choose an elder care provider?

First, learn what questions to consider when choosing an elder care provider by learning the types of providers in Florida.  When it comes to home care for a loved one, you must understand what level of care is needed. Do you or your loved one need personal care or homemaker/companion assistance? Is assistance need such as our A.M. P.M. twice a day or all day or all night? Do you need help when your spouse or family are not with you? Assistance may also be planned for occasional respite care, around holidays, or vacations.

What is home care and how is it different from home healthcare?

Home care refers to any type of care (medical or non-medical) that is provided for the client in their home. In recent years, however, there has been a shift in terminology.  While home care can be used to describe both medical and non-medical care, typically “home care” refers to non-medical care such as personal care services and companionship/homemaking services. Most chronic health care conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other long-term diseases are considered non-medical.

“Home healthcare” or acute medical care follows a specific plan of care often post-hospitalization or rehab. These services are delivered under the supervision of a Physician, by a Nurse (RN/LPN), or Therapist, and involves home healthcare services such as skilled nursing care; physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies; as well as social services and hospice care.

Why should I hire Partners in Healthcare to care for my loved one rather than finding a caregiver on my own? 

Hiring a caregiver(s) can often become a risky and frustrating process. With all of the choices that are available, it is important to understand taxes, insurance, management of caregivers, screening, training and hiring of caregivers. With our team approach of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals, our RN led teams ensure that your family and loved one’s specific needs are met. Partners in Healthcare is proud to be accredited and recognized by a leading organization for quality community care. We are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for private duty nursing including skilled, personal and homemaker/companion services. Choosing Partners in Healthcare will allow you to focus on your life, while we take care you or your loved one.

What services does Partners in Healthcare provide?

Partners in Healthcare provides personal care services such as bathing, grooming, and hygiene, mobility assistance, transferring and positioning, toileting and incontinence and feeding/special diet assistance.  We also provide Homemaker/companionship services such as meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping/errands, transportation, medication reminders, end of life care and respite care.  Our RNs will also provide skilled nursing in conjunction with the management of your home care team.
How are Partners in Healthcare caregivers selected?

Each caregiver at Partners in Healthcare is an employee who is carefully screened and trained.  Each must undergo a rigorous process including Florida ACHA level 2 background checks, DMV, and personal and professional reference checks.  All Partners in Healthcare caregivers are employees, bonded, insured, and covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance for our clients’ peace-of-mind. All of our caregivers receive on-going training led by RN;s or Nationally recognized organizations , as well as specialized disease specific training when needed at our Partners in Healthcare University.
Are services available 24 hours, 7 days a week?

Yes.  Services are available up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year. If you only require a couple hours a shift we can also help you develop a care plan.  We can also assist you with surgical recovery and a plan to support you lost hospitalization or rehab.
Do you provide services to those in nursing homes or assisted living communities?

Yes.  Partners in Healthcare can provide companionship or personal care to residents at assisted living communities, nursing homes or patients in the hospital who may desire personalized care.
Will I have the same caregiver all the time? 

During the in home assessment, the RN will document the services required and the client’s preferences and will consider caregivers that match the client’s needs and personality.  Then, the RN selects the best caregivers fit for the client and will introduce each team member to the client.  During the in-home meeting RN will ensure that caregiver understands your care plan. Changes can always be made to ensure optimal client centered services are delivered to you. All Efforts are made to keep the same caregivers with the same client in order to minimize disruptions.
What if my Caregiver is sick or on vacation?

Partners in Healthcare uses a client centered team of caregivers so that your care service will not be interrupted if someone gets sick or goes on vacation.   If your caregiver is unavailable, the service coordinator will arrange another caregiver from your team if available and will contact you in advance of the change.   Your RN and your care team will also personally introduce the interim caregiver to you and review your Plan of Care with the interim caregiver.   Our goal is to ensure that you receive consistent services as expected.

What happens if our loved one goes into the hospital?

Partners in Healthcare is here for you as much or as little as you need us during this stressful and difficult time. As soon as you can, call our office to let us know the specific situation and an estimated length of hospital stay. We can help by providing our sitter services, during which a caregiver will stay in the hospital with your loved one allowing you to get some rest or go back to work. We can also assist with the transition back to home, and your recovery program.

Can I make changes to the schedule if I have an appointment?

Yes! Please give us as much notice as possible by calling our office at 407-788-9393. Any cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to fees.

What makes Partners in Healthcare different from other home healthcare providers?
Partners in Healthcare is committed to providing you with the best possible home care in the central Florida area. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer free in-home assessments performed by experienced RNs not sales people and home safety evaluations at the start of your care plan and routinely thereafter based on your needs. Furthermore, our caregivers and healthcare professionals are regularly supervised by RNs to ensure that you receive care in the “Partners in Healthcare’s Way”.

How much do home healthcare services cost?

The cost of service varies on a case-by-case basis. Partners in Healthcare coordinates billing with many payer sources, including, Long-term Care insurances, and Workers’ Compensation. We also accept personal payment cash, check or credit card for services.

How do I reach someone after hours?
Partners in Healthcare personnel are available to answer the phone 24 hours a day at 407-788-9393, seven days a week, including holidays and weekends. An RN is also on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How long is the wait time for services? 
Partners in Healthcare’s goal is for caregivers to be available to start on a case within 48 hours, and often within the same day.

Still have questions about senior home care or our Orlando senior care services? Contact our team.