Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that questions will arise while searching for a home care provider for your loved ones. We have done our best to answer some of our most commonly asked questions, hopefully providing you with some answers to inquiries you may have.

Should you have a question that you do not see answered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with your questions/comments. Please use the form on our contact page, and we will get back to you with an answer as quickly as possible!

How do I begin receiving services for myself or loved one?

Simply call us now at (314) 778-3447 to talk with a Caring is My Calling team member. We are available 24-hours to assist you and begin planning your care.

What are the different types of home care and what do you provide?

The first are healthcare professionals who provide medical care in the home according to the orders of a doctor. These can include social workers, physical therapists and nurses.

The second are caregivers who serve as companions, homemakers and aides. They are there to help with non-medical tasks and activities, enabling an older or disabled person to live independently at home for as long as possible.

We provide non-medical type of caregiving. We make sure you and your loved one have peace of mind knowing that the everyday wants and needs are being seen to.

Because every situation is different, Caring is My Calling can help determine the level of in-home care that your loved one or parent needs. As those needs change, services can be either increased or decreased. Remember, our goal is to help someone live at home as independently as possible, rather than having to move to a long-term care facility.

Is the agency licensed as home health, home services, home nursing or home services/home nursing employment agency?

Caring is My Calling is licensed as a home services agency.

Have the caregivers had thorough background checks?

All Caring is My Calling caregivers must have a fingerprint criminal background check.

We do not employ caregivers found to have:

• • disqualifying criminal convictions, or
  • substantiated findings of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, or
  • indicated findings of abuse or neglect reported by the DCFS Central Register/Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS), or
  • their name listed on the HFS Office of the Inspector General Sanction List as not authorized for employment.

Will someone come to the home to visit me from the agency other than the caregiver?

On-site supervision will take place at a minimum of every 90 days or more often if the plan of service requires it.

Can I interview staff before they start working with me or loved ones?

The questions and hiring process are tailored to the specific situation. Either way, it is a good practice to include the person who needs care in the conversation about hiring a home services worker.

What is the difference between a “come and go” and “live-in” caregiver? How do I know if I can have a “live-in” caregiver vs. two 12-hour caregivers on shifts?

• • With 24 hour care, two caregivers are booked daily and work 12 hours each. Sometimes 3 x 8 hour visits are preferred in order to ensure caregivers are at their maximum level of alertness. One caregiver can work a maximum of 4 x 12 hour visits per week. For the other visits, different caregivers will be booked to cover. There is no sleeping break given to a caregiver during a 12 hour visit. However, you can allow the overnight caregiver to sleep if you choose to. 24 hour care is billed at an hourly rate. The overnight visit is billed at a flat rate if it is a sleeping visit and hourly rate if it is a non-sleeping visit.
  • Multiple caregivers are hired in a live-in caregiving situation. Live-in caregivers work four to five days per week, providing 24-hour care to the senior. An alternate live-in caregiver handles the caregiving responsibilities for the remaining two to three days of the week. During each 24-hour period, each live-in caregiver receives a four-hour break. The family determines whether or not to hire another caregiver during the four-hour breaks. Live-in caregivers receive a flat rate per day.

Call us now at (314) 778-3447 to talk with a Caring is My Calling team member. We are available 24-hours to assist you and begin planning your care.