Deciding to bring a caregiver into your home is a significant life transition. It’s natural to have a list of questions ranging from the practical (“How much does this cost?”) to the emotional (“Will my mom be comfortable with a stranger?”).
At Patient Care Of Houston, we believe that clarity is the first step toward peace of mind. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve gathered the most frequent questions families ask us, along with the honest answers you need to make the best decision for your loved one.
1. What exactly is “Non-Medical” Home Care?
One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between home health and home care.
- Home Health is clinical. It involves wound care, physical therapy, and injections, usually prescribed by a doctor for a short period.
- Non-Medical Home Care (what we do) is about daily living and quality of life. It is often long-term and focuses on helping seniors and individuals with special needs remain independent.
| Service | Non-Medical Home Care | Home Health (Medical) |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing & Dressing | Yes | Sometimes |
| Meal Prep & Chores | Yes | No |
| Medication Reminders | Yes | No (They administer) |
| Companionship | Yes | No |
| Transportation | Yes |
2. How do I know if it’s actually time for help?
It isn’t always a sudden crisis that signals the need for care. Often, it’s a series of small “red flags.” Ask yourself:
- Is the mail piling up or are bills being missed?
- Has there been a recent fall or a “near-miss”?
- Is the refrigerator filled with expired food?
- Is your loved one wearing the same clothes for several days?
If you are answering “yes” to these, a little support now can prevent a major medical emergency later.
3. Who are the caregivers? (Safety & Training)
This is the most important question for any family. At Patient Care Of Houston, we are incredibly selective. Every caregiver undergoes:
- Rigorous Background Checks: We leave no stone unturned to ensure safety.
- Continuous Training: Our team stays updated on the best practices for fall prevention, dementia care, and hygiene.
- The “Nurse-Supervision” Advantage: Unlike many agencies, our care is supervised by nurses. This ensures that even “non-medical” tasks are performed with a professional eye for health and safety.
4. Can we choose our caregiver?
Absolutely. We don’t just “assign” a staff member; we match them. We look at personality, interests, and specialized experience. We encourage a “Meet and Greet” before services begin. If for any reason the chemistry isn’t right, we will find a new match—no questions asked.
5. What if we only need help for a few hours?
Care shouldn’t be “all or nothing.” We offer flexible scheduling, ranging from a few hours a week for respite care to 24/7 live-in support. Whether it’s help with a morning routine or overnight supervision, the plan is built around your life, not our schedule.
6. How do we get started?
The process is simpler than you might think:
- Discovery Call: We discuss your basic needs and concerns.
- Free In-Home Assessment: A care manager visits your home to identify safety risks and build a custom care plan.
- Caregiver Match: We introduce you to a professional we believe is the perfect fit.
- Care Begins: We start supporting your family, with constant check-ins from our management team.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority
At Patient Care Of Houston, we don’t just provide a service; we provide a partnership. We know that every question you ask comes from a place of love and protection for your family. We are here to answer every single one of them with transparency and compassion.
Would you like me to draft a “Caregiver Interview Checklist” to help you feel even more prepared for your first meeting with a potential aide?