1. What training do your caregivers have?
Most come to us with extensive training after working in the health field as registered nurses, lab technicians and care aides. Many are semi-retired. Saskatoon Home Support provides new employees with training and orientation to ensure they are able to provide the appropriate level of care for the services they deliver: companionship, personal care, physical therapy and special services in Alzheimer and dementia care and support.
2. Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
Yes, our caregivers undergo a security clearance, and are bonded and insured for your safety and peace of mind.
3. How are caregivers matched to clients?
We meet with each new client and, if they wish, family members. This meeting or care conference, is at no cost to the client. With information from the conference, we are able to determine the client's needs and the personality requirements being sought. This enables our management team to match a caregiver to a client, something which our team has done successfully for many years. After the first visit, a manager phones the client to ensure everything went well. At anytime a client may request a change in caregiver, but in our experience this is a rare occurrence.
4. Will it always be the same caregiver?
We do our best to ensure the same caregiver is sent every time, unless otherwise requested. Continuity and a trusting relationship between the caregiver and the client are vital to a successful home care experience. Depending on schedules, another caregiver may be asked to assist, this will always be confirmed with the client ahead of time.
5. Are home care services covered by insurance?
Some clients may have insurance coverage. If so, we will contact their insurance carrier and arrange to direct bill on their behalf.
6. If I change my mind, do I have to continue with services?
No, there is no contract; you can stop services at any time, but we do require 24 hours notice.
7. Is the caregiver paid directly?
No, we invoice after services have been performed. You are never asked to pay any fee directly to the caregiver.
8. How is billing handled?
An invoice is sent either to the client or an authorized representative at the end of each month. We do not require an upfront retainer of any kind.
9. If requested by a family member, how do I verify a shift was completed?
All services performed are itemized and documented on the monthly invoice. Should verification be required at any other time, we would be pleased to provide it in writing upon request.
10. What do services cost?
Costs depend on the number of hours requested and the type of services required. We create a custom support plan to suit your budget. Please call us and we will provide an estimate with no obligation to purchase services and our in-home consultation is free.
11. Can Saskatoon Home Support help with medications?
Yes, reminding clients to take medications and assisting with pre-measured medication packages (blister packs) are common requests we often help with. Although our caregivers can not administer medications, they can assist individuals who share in the responsibility of taking their own medication.
12. What if services need to be changed or modified?
We understand that flexibility is important when providing support so services can be changed or adjusted any time the need arises.
13. Who can best be helped by Saskatoon Home Support?
Older adults or anyone who wants to stay in their home but needs support to do so. Perhaps they need help with cleaning, bathing, meal assistance, companionship, or when nighttime monitoring is required. In addition, anyone who needs support or monitoring after release from hospital would benefit from our vast array of services as would someone who is living with Alzheimer's or dementia, or requires respite or palliative care. Most often service needs for a client is a family situation, not just an individual needing help. Support of a caregiver usually reduces stress significantly for both the client and their family, giving them time to enjoy the important things in life.
14. Can Saskatoon Home Support help with outings or medical appointments?
We can accompany a client to appointments, assist with errands and even do grocery shopping. Our caregiver can stay with the client throughout the entire trip. We arrange, book and pay for the cab trips, which we bill at cost. We also arrange medical appointments and handle rescheduling when required. Our caregiver can stay will the client and report back to the family with results from appointments such as doctor consultations if the client (or whoever holds the Power of Attorney) agrees. This is especially helpful to family members when a loved one is living with dementia.
15. How fast can services be arranged in case of emergencies?
Within hours if required, please call us at (306) 956-3334. A manager is on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
16. Is Saskatoon Home Support a franchise?
No, we are proud to be a locally-owned company that has been operating in Saskatoon for more than 22 years. We support the local community by donating caregiver time to the less fortunate, donating to long-term care homes as well as volunteering with organizations such as Jubilee Residences, which operates Porteous and Stensrud lodges.
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