Question 1

What is the difference between home care, home health care, and private duty home care?

Accepted Answer

Home care can be broken down into two different categories. One type performs custodial care — care for the aging and disabled that helps a person with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transferring. Custodial care also includes helping a person perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). IADLs are tasks not involving physical contact with a client, but necessary for independent living such as light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and planning, shopping and errands, using communication devices (telephone, writing), and managing money.

Most senior clients of Family Resource Home Care need help with both ADLs and IADLs. The other type of in-home care is medical home care, also known as home health care. Home health care is performed mostly by nurses and physical and occupational therapists. It involves skilled procedures such as wound care, IV lines and infusion therapy, managing medications, physical and occupation therapy, and skilled nursing care. Private duty home care refers to the method of payment. Private duty home care services aren’t covered by Medicare or health insurance. With a few exceptions, they’re paid for privately by the client, or by long-term care insurance.

Question 2

How do I know if I need in-home care services?

Accepted Answer

People of all ages and abilities want to stay safe and independent at home. Many people over the age of 65 are happy and healthy at home, while some experience changes in mental or physical faculties that cause them to grow less independent with age. Others may have more serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s. When complications due to aging or more serious ailments begin to interfere with living self-sufficiently, having an in-home care professional to offer extra help may become necessary.

Home care services are not just for seniors. There are many different scenarios in which home care can improve quality of life. The majority of our clients tend to be seniors with varying health conditions wanting to remain independent at home. However, home care may also be necessary for those needing transportation to or from a surgical procedure, temporary home care following a procedure to facilitate recovery, transitioning from one level of care to another, or people of any age struggling with everyday life due to a chronic illness.

Question 3

What are the benefits of home care?

Accepted Answer

In-home care helps seniors or those with difficulties performing the activities of daily living (ADLs) with the ability to live independently. In-home care offers assistance in the environment that most people, especially seniors, prefer – the home.

Home care is proven to achieve optimal health outcomes for many patients and allows your loved one to feel in control which is important to a positive mental attitude about care and health prognosis. Quality In-Home Care Can…

– Improve the quality of life and health

– Providing companionship, and social opportunities

– Freedom through means of transportation

– Empowerment & pride in being independent

– Decrease hospitalization and ER visits

– Decrease re-hospitalization after release

– Combat depression and feelings of social isolation

– Drastically decrease the risk of medication errors

– Greatly reduce the risk of injury from falls

– Option to stay at home, where most seniors prefer

Our skilled caregivers are trained to observe and raise an alert when they note changes that can indicate changes or complications in the health of their clients. This information can be passed on to doctors or other health care providers to offer invaluable insight into the status of the client. Home care can also greatly reduce the burden that family caregivers often face taking care of older parents or family members.

Question 4

What is home care?

Accepted Answer

Home care is an innovative response to the divergence from traditional forms of care, like hospitals, nursing homes, and social services which are consistently inundated and cannot provide the care necessary for the growing population of older adults. Home care helps seniors or people with the inability to perform the crucial activities of daily living (ADLs) to maintain independence and lead healthier lives. Though caregivers are not medically certified, they are trained to care for seniors. Having a professional caregiver helps keeps seniors active, and mentally stimulated, and provides often much-needed companionship, all of which have stunning positive effects on both physical and mental well-being.

Home care can be broken down into two different categories. One type performs custodial care — care for the aging and disabled that helps a person with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transferring. Custodial care also includes helping a person perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). IADLs are tasks not involving physical contact with a client, but necessary for independent living such as light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and planning, shopping and errands, using communication devices (telephone, writing), and managing money.

Most senior clients of Family Resource Home Care need help with both ADLs and IADLs. The other type of in-home care is medical home care, also known as home health care. Home health care is performed mostly by nurses and physical and occupational therapists. It involves skilled procedures such as wound care, IV lines and infusion therapy, managing medications, physical and occupation therapy, and skilled nursing care.

Question 5

What services does Family Resource provide?

Accepted Answer

Family Resource provides home care—helping with the activities of daily living and other tasks necessary to maintain independence at home.

Specific services include:

– Homemaking
– Light housekeeping
– Meal planning and preparation
– Errands, shopping, and transportation 
– Personal care
– Dressing 
– Bathing assistance
– Assistance with walking, exercise, ambulation, and transfers
– Medication assistance
– Bathing, grooming, toileting
– Dementia/Alzheimer’s care
– End-of-life care
– Companionship
– Respite care
– Care management and transitional care
– Skilled nursing and nurse delegation
– Live-in care

Question 6

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is we’ve been in business for more than 50 years. However, the history of Family Resource goes a bit deeper.

The Family Resource Home Care that operates today was formed through the unification of two family-owned companies in 2018: Family Resource Home Care in Western Washington, and Family Home Care in Eastern Washington and Idaho.

The former iteration of Family Resource Home Care was founded by David Lawrence in 1996. Family Resource had three branches operating in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, serving a five-county area. It’s still one of the oldest and most established private duty home care agencies in Washington State. Family Home Care was also a family-owned company, with five branches in Eastern Washington and Idaho. FHC has served the northwest for 50 years, making them the most experienced home care agency in Washington State. The Wiberg Family purchased the company in 2011. Jeff Wiberg, Founder, has held various titles: Past-President of the Home Care Association of America board, and a board member and Past-President of the Washington Home Care Association. Moving forward into 2021, two of the longest-running home care agencies in Oregon – Adeo In Home Care and Helping Hands Home Care – became part of our family. Family Resource Home Care continues to add agencies to our family and more locations across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In 2023, Companion Care Inc. joined the family, and in 2024 Specialty Senior Services joined.

Family Resource Home Care is still family-owned and now extends to over 30 branches across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho!

Question 7

What is your service area?

Accepted Answer

We are currently the largest home care agency in the Pacific Northwest and consistently expanding to new cities/counties. Currently, we have over 30 locations across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Please see here for our specific location branches for the most updated list:

Question 8

Do you have a minimum level of service?

Accepted Answer

Our minimum is four hours per shift.

Question 9

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

At Family Resource, you only pay for the services and time you need. As every client’s needs are unique, we will be able to tell you an exact bill rate at the time of assessment. Rates also vary by location. Please call your

Question 10

How often will I need in-home care services?

Accepted Answer

The level and frequency of in-home care services are unique and personal to every client. Services are determined during an initial assessment between the client’s family or guardian and a Family Resource Client Care Supervisor. The process begins with a phone consultation where we will learn introductory details about the client. During this call, we will schedule an in-home assessment to meet with the client and the client’s family or guardian and develop a care plan specific to the client’s unique lifestyle and care needs. During this assessment, we will determine the specifics of in-home care through direct communication with family members and/or guardians.

Client care needs may shift during the course of care. This may require updates to the care plan, which can happen at any point in time if necessary.

Question 11

Do I need to sign a contract?

Accepted Answer

Nope! With 24 hours’ notice, you can cancel service anytime.

Question 12

Are your services covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

While home care services and our nursing services are generally not covered benefits under Medicare and most health insurance, services may be covered by long-term care insurance. Several of our branches also provide services to qualified families under state Medicaid programs, Veterans Administration, and certain city and county pension funds. We do not provide medical care under the Federal Medicare program but work with many Medicare-contracted home health agencies. Call us for more details.

Question 13

Do I pay the caregiver directly?

Accepted Answer

Our caregivers are our employees, and we are responsible for their pay. We will send you an itemized bill once a month. Payments can be made in a number of ways. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checks. Our preferred option is autopay from a checking account or credit card.

Question 14

Are your caregivers trained and licensed?

Accepted Answer

Providing the most qualified caregivers is one of the things we do best. We perform thorough reference and criminal background checks, on a local and national level. We verify Social Security numbers and work eligibility. In addition, our caregivers receive training in a classroom setting and on-site in care facilities and client homes. Almost all have certification as a Home Care Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Our caregiver managers provide ongoing caregiver supervision and stay in regular contact with clients and families. You can request a new caregiver at any time. But nothing, however, can substitute for experience and compassion. Many caregivers have been with us for 8, 10, or even 15 years. The commitment, support, and respect we give our caregivers, including industry-leading pay and benefits, has produced a skilled, dedicated, responsive, and loyal staff.

Question 15

Will you send the same caregiver every time?

Accepted Answer

It is of the utmost importance to us to find a caregiver who will establish a warm and respectful relationship with you. Sometimes a great, lasting connection is made instantly, other times it may take a couple of tries. Once we have you set up on a regular schedule, you should have the same caregiver every visit. We cannot guarantee it, however, since caregivers do go on vacation, get sick, or have unexpected emergencies. If for any reason, your regular caregiver cannot fill an assigned shift, we will do everything we can to provide you with a substitute. Making sure that a qualified caregiver is at your door when promised is our commitment to you.

Question 16

Do you provide care for someone in an assisted living facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes. About 15% of Family Resource Home Care’s clients live in assisted living facilities. How does it work? Just as if we were sending a caregiver to the home, our caregiver would instead go to the facility to carry out home care services. You might ask, why would anyone living in an assisted living facility hire an outside home care agency?

There are a few reasons for this: Many facilities do provide needed assistance, but for example, a resident may have to move from their independent apartment in order to receive services and needs professional Transitional Care Services.

A resident may need one-on-one care or a higher level of service than the facility provides in assisted living, or the resident may need longer or more frequent hours than the facility can staff. Compared to a home care agency, a facility will most likely have less flexibility in both assigning staff and scheduling availability.

Question 17

Can in-home caregivers help with medications?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers can assist a client with medications, but cannot administer them. In other words, a caregiver cannot take medications from one labeled container to another. For instance, a caregiver cannot fill a Mediaset from prescription bottles, but they can remind the client to take medications as needed.

Question 18

What is a care plan? Will Family Resource Home Care help develop one?

Accepted Answer

A care plan is a comprehensive set of instructions – developed by our Client Care Supervisors in collaboration with the client, family, guardian, etc – that outlines the parameters of care that are unique to each individual client. Before services start, we will meet our new client and family at home and have a conversation so we can understand the client’s personal care needs. Our free, comprehensive in-home assessment with the client and family allows us to understand the client on a personal level and the needs they want to be met. This in-home assessment will result in a care plan that details the tasks our caregivers will perform. Family Resource professionals work hard to make sure your loved one is pleased with their care. The care plan may be updated or modified at any time, with consent from the client or family, in accordance with changes in health or lifestyle that may occur during the course of care. If the caregiver, senior, or family ever has any questions, supervisors are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Question 19

Do you have references?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We have many, many satisfied clients and referral sources in the community who will be glad to talk to you. Call us and we will send you a list.

Here are just a few of the testimonials we’ve recently received. Many clients and members of the community have written us positive Google Reviews or posted on other review sites.

Family Resource Home Care has been serving clients in Washington and Idaho for decades. We are proud members of the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) and the Washington Home Care Association (WAHCA). In fact, not only is Family Resource a Charter Member of both HCAOA and WAHCA, three members of our current executive team have served terms as WAHCA President. CEO Jeff Wiberg is currently on the Board of Directors of HCAOA.

Question 20

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Call your local office  and talk to a Client Care Supervisor about your situation. We will provide a free in-home consultation to see if home care from Family Resource is right for you or your loved one. If you choose to start services, we will write a care plan detailing the services, days, and hours to meet the care needs of your family.

Question 21

Are you a franchise?

Accepted Answer

No! We are one of the largest independently-owned home care agencies in the country. Franchises pay big fees to the franchise company; we put that money into caregiver pay and benefits

Question 22

What kinds of clients do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve a diverse range of clients, including seniors who wish to maintain their independence at home, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those recovering from surgeries or transitioning between care levels. Our services are designed to support people of all ages who need assistance with daily activities, managing health conditions, or improving their quality of life. Whether it’s help with personal care, companionship, or specialized medical support, we tailor our services to meet each client’s unique needs.

Question 23

What services do caregivers provide?

Accepted Answer

Though caregivers are typically not medically certified, they are trained to perform a wide range of invaluable services that keep seniors safe and independent at home. These services generally align with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal planning and preparation, transportation, running errands, light housekeeping, or other tasks related to the client’s unique lifestyle and needs. Caregivers are also trained and often experienced with ailments related to aging like Alzheimer's and dementia.

Oftentimes, caregivers are hired just to provide companionship, which is a service that is inherent in the nature of being present in the client’s home. Caregivers can help keep clients engaged in mentally stimulating activities such as conversation, games, or hobbies.

Question 24

How can I be sure that my caregiver will be skilled, honest, and reliable?

Accepted Answer

Providing the most qualified caregivers is one of the things we do best. We perform thorough reference and criminal background checks, on both local and national levels. We verify Social Security numbers and work eligibility. In addition, our caregivers receive training in a classroom setting and on-site in care facilities and client homes. Almost all have certification as a Home Care Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After each shift, caregivers are required to report on the condition of their client and tasks completed during the shift. Our caregiver managers provide ongoing caregiver supervision and stay in regular contact with clients and families. You can request a new caregiver at any time.

Question 25

Will my caregiver speak English and be able to drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fluency in both written and spoken English is a requirement for all caregivers, and we test to be certain. Caregivers who drive on behalf of a client are required to have a driver’s license, insurance, and a good driving record. We regularly track and update all relevant documentation.

Question 26

How soon can you start?

Accepted Answer

Care can typically begin within 24 hours.

We start by simply listening. Give us a call or contact us and we will work with you to help meet your needs. After learning more about you, we will set up an assessment, free of charge, to further outline your specific care needs.

Question 27

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made in a number of ways. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checks. Our preferred option is autopay from a checking account or credit card.

Question 28

Do you offer live-in care?

Accepted Answer

We do! We have decades of live-in care experience and many satisfied live-in clients. Live-in care is available in nearly all of our regional branches. To learn more about live-in care, click here, or please call your local office for more information about our 24-hour rates.

Question 29

What is a caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Fundamentally, a caregiver is someone who provides care to another person or persons in need of assistance.

This can be a nurse, doctor, certified nursing assistant, or family caregiver. Professional in-home caregivers, also known as home care aides, primarily provide assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (daily human functions such as hygiene, eating, bathing, and toileting), these are referred to as ADLs.

Caregivers can provide care just about anywhere including in the home, hospital settings, or assisted living facilities.

Question 30

Is there a difference between a caregiver and home care aide?

Accepted Answer

In short, no. These are two interchangeable terms to describe someone who provides care to another person or persons in need of assistance

Question 31

What type of care is available for seniors who need long-term care and assistance as they age? Or for seniors who have an impairment?

Accepted Answer

There are a wide range of choices available. The best choice for you or your loved one depends on your specific needs and desires.

For seniors or disabled individuals with chronic medical needs requiring around-the-clock medical attention, the choices include nursing homes and some adult family homes

For seniors or disabled individuals who do not need medical assistance on a daily basis, the choices include retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and home care agencies.

Question 32

What differences can I expect between a retirement home, assisted living facility or having care in the home through a home care agency?

Accepted Answer

Home care agencies, such as ours offer one-on-one assistance and companionship that allow seniors or the disabled to remain independent and “in charge” while continuing to live in their own residences.

Retirement communities offer an alternative residence for seniors or persons with disabilities where meals, laundry, and housekeeping, as well as a range of social and recreational activities, are provided. Moving into a retirement community eliminates the ongoing work of taking care of a home and provides opportunities for social interaction.

Assisted living communities offer the same services as retirement communities In addition they offer personal care services that can include medication management, and other services to support the individual in completing activities of daily living. Some facilities offer Alzheimer’s or dementia care and can also serve as an alternative to nursing home care for those who have cognitive impairments.

Home care agencies provide the same type of services as offered in assisted living facilities. In fact, we provide care for residents in various assisted living facilities when the resident requires one-on-one attention. The care provided can range from 1 hour to 24 hours a day.

For those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes, home care agencies, such as ours, offer one-on-one assistance and companionship that allow the elderly and the disabled to remain independent and “in charge” while continuing to live in their own homes.

Question 33

Why do I need a home care agency? Can I hire a caregiver on my own?

Accepted Answer

The home care agency is there to protect you. In the State of Washington, each home care agency must establish policies and procedures to meet the requirements of regulations issued by the state. These policies and procedures must be specific and must provide instructions for screening job applicants, providing service to clients, keeping records, and ensuring the safety of the clients. To do business in Washington state, a home care agency must establish these policies and procedures in order to receive a license. The state issues the license and audits the agency every two years before renewing the license.

In addition, the agency must be insured and should be bonded to protect you in case of loss or accident caused by the caregiver.

Every caregiver hired by the home care agency must pass a federal fingerprint criminal background check. Agencies must also perform reference checks to establish the applicant’s work history. We request three professional and two personal references for each applicant.

The home care agency protects you in other important ways. The agency must be insured and should be bonded to protect you in case of loss or accident caused by the caregiver. The agency provides workers’ compensation insurance, pays into Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment compensation funds for the caregiver, which protects you, as well as your caregiver. Although the caregiver is there for you, you do not have the responsibility of being the caregiver’s employer. If the caregiver is unable to come to work one day, the agency will send a qualified person to help you in place of the caregiver. The home care agency is the employer and is responsible for making sure that you are satisfied with the services that the caregiver provides for you.

Question 34

Since the services are non-medical, can I work with a caregiver even if I have some health problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our caregivers help seniors and the disabled with a variety of health concerns. For example:

1. When recovering from illness or when newly released from the hospital or a rehabilitation center, a caregiver can provide assistance while the client regains strength.

2. When a senior is cognitively impaired, our caregiver can help the senior focus on the present and stay safe whether they are still living at home or in an assisted living facility.

3. A senior or disabled person may be depressed or isolated from other people because of reduced mobility. A caregiver can be the person who brings outside contact back into the senior’s life.

4. A senior who is at risk of falling, whether it is at home or in an assisted living facility, can use our caregiver’s help to prevent serious injury.

Question 35

I want to take care of my parent but I have to work during the week or I live too far away. How can you help me with their long-term care needs?

Accepted Answer

Whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or overnight, we can be there for you.

We can provide respite care for family members during the day or on weekends. Whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or overnight, we can be there for you. We provide hourly care with a minimum of 4 hours per visit. Our caregivers are available 24 hours per day, every day including weekends and holidays. We keep our overhead costs low so that we can offer these services at an affordable rate in line with family budgets. So you define the schedule, and we will take care of the rest.

Family Resource Home Care

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