Frequently Asked Questions

While in-home care can be used to describe both medical and non-medical care in the home, typically in-home care refers to non-medical care such as companionship, homemaking services and personal care. Home health is a term used to describe skilled nursing care and other functions such as speech, physical or occupational therapy.

In-home care allows your loved one to get the help he or she needs without giving up independence.

A registered home care organization has a license issued by the State of California, Department of Health and Social Services. In order to have and maintain this license, the agency must have general liability insurance and workman’s compensation coverage. All employees have cleared a Department of Justice background check and are bonded. Though it is not a state requirement, all our caregivers are our employees. We do not use independent contractors. 

The term aging in place refers to seniors that choose to remain in their home as they get older instead of moving to an independent or assisted living community. According to the AARP, a majority of seniors would prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible. And aging in place has a number of benefits.

• Seniors who remain in their own homes as they age enjoy the consistency of belonging to communities where they may have lived for many years surrounded by friends and families. 
• Being surrounded by beloved objects and memory cues can foster a sense of connection and peace, and for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, a familiar environment can reduce confusion and improve mental engagement. 
• Remaining in the home also avoids the stress of relocation and acclimating to new environments. 
• Aging in place can be more cost-effective than facility care.

The term home care aide and caregiver can be used interchangeably. Home health aides provide companionship, personal care, and other quality of life services. This can include mobility and safety assistance, help with meals and housekeeping, transportation to appointments and social events, as well as activities that encourage engagement, purpose, connection and joy.

The State of California does not require Home Care Aides to have any formal training. Most of our caregivers are CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) or nursing students. Some have RN (Registered Nurse) training. Others start with us having no formal training at all. However, all our caregivers have verified prior experience as a caregiver, and we also provide in-house training to enhance their skills in things such as dealing with dementia, transfer and positioning techniques, and personal care methods. 

The agency will decide who to send, based on factors, including the expressed needs and preferences of the client; location; time and frequency of visits.  If you feel the caregiver we’ve selected is lacking in any way, we will do what we can to address it by directing/training the individual to do better, or changing the caregiver. 

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) describe basic tasks essential for day-to-day functioning. These include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility and toileting. Many seniors who require help with such activities are largely independent but may require help with one or two ADLs.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are those activities that are important in enhancing a client’s quality of life. IADLs include shopping, paying bills, household chores (cleaning, laundry), and meal preparation.

Seniors and other adults that need assistance at home may require assistance with ADLs or IADLs. Gentle Hands offers an array of companionship and in-home care services, and specific tasks are laid out in the Plan of Care that is customized for each individual and family.

Yes. Services are available for as little as a 5 hours a visit up to 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We encourage you to contact our office directly for a complete list of products and services available, as well as the rates for your area.

Yes. We understand that situations can arise where one needs in-home care services in a hurry. We can provide services on an as-needed basis.

Some of the most common options to pay for senior care include private pay or out-of-pocket, long-term care insurance, and the Veterans Administration (VA) Aid.