Guardian In Home Services, Inc - Martinsburg, WV

QUESTION list

How is payment handled?

How long am I required to use your services?

Who pays for the service?

What if the Caregiver is not a good match?

Am I to provide food to the caregiver?

How are phone calls handled in my home?

What am I to do if a Caregiver needs off or can't work a certain day?

Can a Caregiver help me to entertain friends or family?

Can the Caregiver clean my house?

Is the Caregiver allowed to have company while on duty?

What coverage is available?

How is coverage handled on Holidays?

How is transportation handled?

Someone referred me to your agency and recommended that I ask for a certain caregiver; will you honor my request?

FREQUENTLY asked questions

How is payment handled? [ back ]
Because Guardian In Home Service is a Referral Agency and the Caregivers referred are self employed, Independent Contractors, the Agency and the Caregivers are paid by two (2) separate checks. Most all of the Caregivers referred prefer to be paid weekly. The Agency's referral and maintenance fee can be paid weekly, bi-weekly or we can bill monthly. These options for the Agency referral fees are discussed at the time the Contract is signed.

How long am I required to use your services? [ back ]
Your signed contract will give you the opportunity to cancel at any time with a two week notice. However, you will be unable to hire a Caregiver originally referred to you from Guardian for a standard waiting period of eighteen (18) months. You can contact Guardian at any time to reinstate care for up to one (1) year with out repaying a Registration/Start up fee. Ultimately you can use our services for as long or as little as you need the assistance.

Who pays for the service? [ back ]
Guardian is a Private Pay Agency. There are some Long Term Care Insurance Policies that have covered the companion/custodial care that Guardian provides. Please check with your provider for their requirements.

What if the Caregiver is not a good match? [ back ]
Contact Guardian and advise us of the personality differences so that we may make an additional referral; when time allows we encourage the client and/or family member to meet the potential caregiver. Occasionally we get calls with less than forty-eight (48) hours notice and it becomes a little more difficult to coordinate the interviews on such short notice.

Am I to provide food to the caregiver? [ back ]
Not unless you wish to do so. The Caregivers referred are encouraged to bring their own meals with them unless they are told otherwise from the client or family. Often times the Caregivers go above and beyond by bringing treats and special meals from home to share and spoil the client!!

How are phone calls handled in my home? [ back ]
Calls to and from the Caregiver are to be held to a minimum. Everyone at some point must receive or make a phone call; caregivers are encouraged to utilize their own cell phone. Caregivers are encouraged to keep their cell phones on vibrate as not to disturb their client. Those not possessing a cell phone are to obtain the permission of their client before using the client's phone (this is to be kept to an absolute minimum).

What am I to do if a Caregiver needs off or can't work a certain day? [ back ]
The client is to instruct the caregiver to call the office as soon as they are aware of needing a particular day off and the office staff will arrange a replacement.

Can a Caregiver help me to entertain friends or family? [ back ]
NO

Can the Caregiver clean my house? [ back ]
It is to be twenty (20) percent of the daily tasks (light housekeeping). There is not to be heavy housekeeping (moving furniture or climbing on ladders)

Is the Caregiver allowed to have company while on duty? [ back ]
NO

What coverage is available? [ back ]
Up to twenty-four (24) hours, seven (7) days per week.

How is coverage handled on Holidays? [ back ]
It is time and one half the hourly rate and is treated the same as any other day.

How is transportation handled? [ back ]
If the caregiver drives; and feels comfortable with taking the client out, the caregiver may do so. If the client wishes, the client's car may be driven. Typically caregivers ask for reimbursement based on the IRS mileage reimbursement rates when using their personal vehicles.

Someone referred me to your agency and recommended that I ask for a certain caregiver; will you honor my request? [ back ]
If the caregiver requested is not currently with a client or is available to help out, one or more of their days off.

SOME testimonials...

Musselman High School Volleyball Team and Volleyball Boosters would like to thank you for your support in sponsoring our bus trip to the State Volleyball Tournament in Charleston. It made the chance to go to the States even more special to be able to travel on a chartered bus versus a school bus, for this long trip. The support we had from the community was awesome. We appreciate all that you do for our community. Your continued support of the Musselman Athletic Program is greatly appreciated. Thank You. Sincerely, Shawn Martz, Coach MHS Volleyball Team

GUARDIAN benefits

Guardian understands that the decision to allow someone in your home to provide care to your loved one is a difficult decision. Guardian provides Just-in-time access to Pre-screened Caregivers to provide your companion care. At Guardian, we know how important it is to have peace of mind in one's own home; in an effort to achieve that an extensive background check including a nationwide search and a 7 year felony in the state which they reside, as well as, reference check is performed on each companion. We continually follow up with clients for changes or additional needs, so that the client has the schedule of care requested. In addition, we provide a replacement companion in the event that an assigned companion will be absent. We are always available to answer your questions and to meet your needs. We can be reached during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or after hours through the aide of our professional answering service.

Guardian is a private pay agency. However, we can assist you in the filing process for your reimbursement through (faxing, preparing envelopes, emailing etc.):

1. Long Term Care Insurance
2. Private Health Insurance.

Guardian In Home Services, Inc is a member of PCA: Private Care Association, Inc is a national association representing and providing for the needs of the private duty, in home care referral industry.