What is the difference between an in-home aide and a caregiver?

Caregivers help with daily tasks including running errands, meal planning & preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. Home health aides are trained in basic nursing duties. Always Good Company offers non-medical caregiver services. Our clients have to be weight bearing, as we are not allowed to lift anyone.

Will we have the same caregiver every time?

Our goal is to strive for caregiver consistency, but it really depends on the size of the job and how many days per week you’d like to use our services. Typically, the more shifts there are, the more caregivers you’ll have so that we can assure you that there are always backup caregivers available. 

Is there a contract?

There is no contract per se, but there is paperwork we’ll ask you to fill out that is required by the State of North Carolina. It’s basic information that includes things like your name, date of birth, medical issues, cancellation policy, and Plan of Care.

What if we don't like our caregiver?

That’s rare, but it has happened. You can certainly change your caregiver at any time. We handle it in a way where no one’s feelings get hurt.

What is the minimum number of hours per day per shift?

Our minimum shift is three-hours long.

Do you require a minimum number of weekly shifts?

We do not require a weekly minimum.

What services do you offer?

• Companion Care
• Errands, Shopping, & Doctors Appointments
• Meal Planning and Preparation
• Light Housekeeping
• Respite Care
• Pet Care Assistance
• Medication Reminders
• Sitting Jobs Post-Surgery (standby care to prevent falls)

Do your caregivers accompany clients to doctors’ appointments? 

Absolutely. It’s always nice to have another set of ears, and we are happy to take notes and write everything down that transpires during various appointments. Our caregivers take you or your loved one out for fun activities too, like lunches, shopping, and errands of all kinds. Our clients enjoy having a change of scenery and an opportunity to get out of the house for a bit. 

How do you bill?

Always Good Company emails invoices on the first and fifteenth of each month. We can also mail you a copy of your invoice if you prefer. We accept payment by bank draft or credit card.

How does transportation work?

With your permission, Always Good Company caregivers can use the client’s car, which is a good way to insure that it’s being driven routinely and that there are no service indicator lights that come on. We do not charge transportation fees for using a client’s car, but there is a mileage fee of .70 per mile for using a caregiver’s car.

Do you accept Long-Term Care Insurance?

Yes we do!

I am a private person and would rather people not know that I use a caregiver. What measures do you take to protect my privacy?

While our staff dresses comfortably but professionally, they do not wear a uniform, nor do they drive a company car that would identify them as a caregiver or as part of a home care company. Our services are completely discreet, so a trip to the grocery store for example looks like any other social outing with a friend or family member. 

What happens next? How do we get started?

The next step would be to set up a free initial appointment. If you think we’ll be a good fit for your needs, we’ll have you fill out a little bit of paperwork, and learn what qualities you prefer in a caregiver. Then we’ll try to find the right caregiver that fits the kind of person you’re looking for, so we can make sure everyone’s personalities are as compatible as possible. 

What does light housekeeping include?

The duties you can expect are those necessary to keep your home orderly so you can enjoy a safe, healthy environment. Light housekeeping, as part of our home care service, is offered and restricted to the client and those areas used by the client. Typically that means the kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. It should not be confused as a housekeeping service, as light housekeeping is only one part of the overall care service we provide. 

Here are a few examples: 

Laundry (machine washing, drying, folding, putting back into drawers, hanging up);  changing bed linens; if your caregiver makes a meal, prep dishes will be cleaned and put away, other dishes will also be cleaned and put away; wiping down kitchen counters and other kitchen surfaces; removing expired food from the refrigerator; wiping down bathroom countertop and toilet seat; watering plants; gathering trash and taking trash to the collection spot; vacuuming and sweeping of general living space and walkways; organizing drawers and closets, and tidying the general living space. Your caregiver will also clean up after themselves while in your home.