Non Medical

Are Caregivers background checked?

Yes, we follow the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure that our caregivers do not have a disqualifying background check under the requirements of the Health Care Work Background Check Act.

What happens if a caregiver is ill?

This is an important benefit of using an agency. We always have a back up. In the event of an emergency a supervisor will come and staff a case as well.

What happens if I need to cancel a visit?

You can call 309-245-0723, and speak with your Client Service Specialist to make adjustments to your schedule. We do request 24 hour notice of changes to prevent a billing charge. This is waived in event of hospitalization.

Am I locked into a contract?

No, changes can be made to the services you need at any time. Allowing 24 hour notice prohibits a charge for the original contract agreement.

How do you match caregivers to clients?

Your Client Service Specialist will come meet with you at your home to develop a care plan. At this time, we go over what services you like, personal preferences, and special needs. The CSS, then comes back to the office and begins to work with the staff, and determines based on personalities, abilities and needs, who might best fit that client.

What about weekends and holidays?

We work them. There is no extra charge. We also have someone on call for you to speak to 24 hours a day 7 days a week to handle any questions that might arise after regular office hours.

I tried, what if I just do not care for a worker?

Call your Client Service Specialist! Sometimes, relationships can be salvaged with open communication and education. Sometimes certain personalities just do not match. That is OK. That is why we have many caregivers, we will work very hard at finding those that fit your needs best.

How many caregivers will come into my home?

The number of caregivers is determined by how many hours you need services. We comply with the state of Illinois overtime rules. Therefore, our caregivers do not typically work over 40 a week. In some circumstances, clients in the past have been allowed to pay the overtime, thus being able to keep certain caregivers for longer hours.

On a shorter case, we still will always train back up staff. We do this to allow for unforeseen absences, sickness, bad weather, etc. Having a core team is essential in ensuring consistency and quality of care. This is why we do train several caregivers on each case.

Will insurance ever cover non medical care?

Yes, some people have long term care insurance and will qualify through a licensed agency. Some policies pay a percentage for a certain number of hours per week and some pay for 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We are happy to call and check benefits for you, although some insurances require a signed release for us to do so.

What hours are you available to staff?

We staff from 4 hours a day up to 24 hours a day, around the clock care.

Are we able to increase and decrease hours?

Yes, needs change, so of course you can change your hours. We do ask that you give plenty of notice, as our schedules are done a week in advance. We understand, this isn’t always possible, as emergencies arise. Just call your Client Service Specialist, we can increase your hours with very little notice in the event of an emergency.

People get better too! Just call your CSS. Again, we ask for time so that we can schedule your caregivers in other cases! It is always a great feeling when you get better and really just don’t need us as much any more!

Can caregivers go to doctors appointments and be the eyes and ears for the family?

You bet. Doctors visits can be overwhelming. Our caregivers are more than happy to go in with a patient, with their permission of course, and take notes to report to family. We do just need a release and permission policy signed.

That is a lot of calling, and I am at work. Do you communicate any other way?

You bet. You are more than welcome to email us. You may also text your CSS as they all have cell phones. We are more than happy to talk with you after hours or weekends as well to accommodate your schedules.

We really like a special caregiver, can we request them?

Sure! However, we must take into consideration any hours they may already be scheduled at another case, which could lead to overtime. Or a client that they have been caring for, for an extended period of time. But, we are more than happy to try to accommodate and keep those caregivers you have developed a bond with, with you.

What Our Patients Say

The staff of Spoon River Home Health always goes above and beyond during each of their visits in my home. They have quickly become not only caregivers, but a part of our family.

J. Smith August 3, 2015

View More Testimonials >

Text
Size