Frequently Asked Questions

CareKeepers is a Domestic Referral Agency that specializes in qualifying and referring professional caregivers for non-medical home care. Since 2001, we have served thousands of families and caregivers.

Difference: What is Home Care and Home Health?

·        Home care services provide non-medical assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as grooming, personal care, meal preparation, and help with transfers to a wheelchair or commode. In contrast, home health services are medically focused, offering wound care, vital sign monitoring, medication administration, physical therapy, and more.

What is a referral agency?

·        A referral agency offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional home care agencies while maintaining similar safety measures. These agencies connect professional caregivers with clients in need of services. Unlike traditional agencies, the caregivers are not employees but independent professionals. Typically, these caregivers have multiple private clients, collaborate with various agencies, and often work in hospitals and facilities. Many hold CNA or HHA certifications.

·        In a referral agency, caregivers are not assigned to clients; instead, they are offered work and choose to accept it. This approach fosters a positive relationship between the caregiver, the client, and the agency, as caregivers are motivated by their desire to be there.

How safe are the caregivers through CareKeepers?

·        All caregivers referred to by CareKeepers have a minimum of 2 years of verified direct professional experience, with many boasting over 10 years. CareKeepers conducts thorough third-party criminal background checks and ensures all caregivers have legal authorization to work in the United States.

·        Agency requirements mandate that caregivers maintain individual liability insurance policies with coverage of $1 million per occurrence and a $6 million annual maximum limit. Additionally, caregivers have a criminal bond limit of $2,500. CareKeepers also offers access to additional coverage through Ally, a national third-party billing company that manages weekly billing and payments for both clients and caregivers.

What is the qualification process for caregivers?

·        CareKeepers refers to professional caregivers who have dedicated their careers to providing care. Each of our caregivers must have a minimum of 2 years of firsthand experience and sign an agreement with CareKeepers to ensure their commitment to the client. All applicants are subject to background checks, and often DMV record checks, to ensure their reliability.

How are caregivers matched?

·        As part of the qualification process, applicants complete a preference sheet detailing the types of conditions and clients they prefer to work with. This sheet also includes their preferred work locations, days of the week, and times of day.

Can we interview the caregiver first?

·        Since most caregivers are actively working, scheduling traditional interviews can be challenging. While all qualified caregivers possess the necessary skills, not all excel in formal interview settings. We recommend scheduling a first shift working interview, which lasts 1-2 hours, to observe the caregiver's skills in action. If the chemistry between the client and caregiver is not right, either party can request a change. CareKeepers is always available to help find an alternative caregiver for any reason. We simply ask for feedback on how to improve the next match and sometimes find a better fit.

Insurance and Costs: What type of insurance covers Home Care?

·        Typically, Long Term Care Insurance (LTC) is the primary insurance that covers home care services. These policies come with various limits and restrictions. CareKeepers' caregiver services can be covered by LTC insurance, though coverage details vary by carrier and should be confirmed in advance.

Does Medicare cover Home Care?

·        Generally, Medicare does not cover non-medical home care. However, in recent years, third-party insurance companies have introduced Medicare Advantage supplemental plans that offer limited non-medical benefits. Each plan varies in its coverage. CareKeepers caregivers do not participate in Medicare Advantage plans.

How are rates calculated?

·        CareKeepers and the caregivers have established starting rates, which include the agency commission. This means the quoted rate is the total cost, with no hidden fees. Both caregivers and clients have the flexibility to negotiate or renegotiate rates at any time.

How are caregivers paid?

·        Many caregivers utilize third-party billing services like Ally, a national billing service, to streamline invoicing for client convenience. These services consolidate all charges into a single weekly invoice, collect fees, and distribute payments, prioritizing caregiver fees before the agency commission.

·        Caregivers depend on clients to pay invoices promptly and accurately, as they bear the risk of non-payment. The billing service also offers clients the convenience of paying by credit card or ACH, benefiting both clients and caregivers.

What is the cost for CareKeepers services?

·        CareKeepers earn a fee from caregivers for each referral, which is included in the caregiver's rate. Therefore, the rate charged by caregivers encompasses all CareKeepers fees.

Services and caregivers: Can caregivers take blood pressure or sugar levels?

·        Non-medical caregivers are prohibited from taking vital signs, including measuring blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.

How do caregivers deal with clients needing medications?

·        Caregivers play a vital role in providing medication reminders. They are permitted to assist with this task, ensuring that medications, which must be pre-dispensed by a family member or medical professional into a med-set or organizer, are taken according to a set schedule. The caregiver will follow the schedule and confirm that the client takes the prescribed medications at the designated times.

Can a caregiver help more than 1 person at a time?

·        Care for couples is tailored to their specific needs, with the primary focus on ensuring the safety of both the caregiver and the clients. Typically, this involves minimal personal care for both individuals. Meal preparation and basic light housekeeping are not classified as services for multiple clients, even if there are two people in the home. Caregivers are not permitted to provide care for minors or children at any time.

Do the caregivers also do housekeeping?

·        Light housekeeping is part of the basic caregiver services. This includes routine daily cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, sweeping, washing dinner dishes, doing the client's daily laundry (not for the entire family), and maintaining clean bathrooms.

Getting Started: How do we get started with services?

·        To begin, contact CareKeepers for a free consultation. The agency will conduct a thorough interview to understand your specific needs. CareKeepers ensures transparency in all interactions between clients and caregivers. An Agency Agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of the working relationship, has been signed by the Responsible Party for the client and the agency. Clients are never obligated to receive services and can terminate the agreement at any time.

What are the minimum hours per day we need to get?

·        CareKeepers collaborates with a network of caregivers who can offer care for as little as 4 hours, depending on availability. CareKeepers is committed to ensuring caregivers are available to meet all options and needs.

If we need 24-hour care – how is this scheduled?

·        Some caregivers have agreed to provide 24-hour care in various formats. Depending on the client's needs, some caregivers may live in the home with the client for several days at a time. To ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and caregivers, these arrangements must include multiple daily meal breaks, rest breaks, and at least 8 hours of sleep each day. If a client requires continuous supervision or care, multiple caregivers will share the 24-hour shift.

How long do we need to commit to care?

·        CareKeepers and our network of caregivers provide maximum flexibility to clients. Therefore, there is no long-term commitment required for our services.

How much notice do we need to give to cancel services?

·        Although you are not obligated to any specific service time, we require a 48-hour notice to cancel any scheduled shift or appointment. The caregiver affected by the cancellation has the discretion to bill for the canceled time.

Can we hire a caregiver privately?

·        Although we discourage it, clients have the option to buy out a caregiver contract, which is not commonly offered by other agencies. There is a one-time fee for buyouts, and the terms and conditions are detailed in the Agency Agreement. If a client is considering a caregiver buyout, CareKeepers can provide additional information to help them make the best decision for their situation.

COVID Precautions and Caregivers: Are they tested / vaccinated?

·        CareKeepers has made significant efforts to keep our network informed about testing and vaccination options. We respect individual choice, allowing each caregiver to decide whether to be vaccinated. During the client interview, clients can specify if they require caregivers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Do caregivers wear PPE?

·        CareKeepers provides full PPE supplies to all caregivers and clients. Caregivers can purchase gloves, face shields, masks, gowns, shoe covers, and hand sanitizers at cost. They have the option to wear PPE, and clients can request it based on their preferences.