TenderCare Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about TenderCare Services. If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to call us at (407) 599-1900.

• What type of services does TenderCare provide?
• Who can benefit from home care services?
• How do you select caregivers for each client?
• What if I'm not happy with the caregiver provided?
• Do you provide a free in-home assessment?
• What is the screening process for caregivers?
• Will I have the same caregiver each day or shift?
• If I want to cancel services, how much notice do you require?
• Will Medicare, Health Insurance, or VA benefits pay for care?
• Will my Long Term Care policy cover this service?
• Will Worker's Compensation Insurance cover home care?
• What is the first step to acquiring home care service?

What type of services does TenderCare provide?

TenderCare is able to assist with many types of services including bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, dressing and grooming. These services are considered "hands-on care" and a caregiver that is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Home Health Aide (HHA) can provide this care. Often our caregivers provide help with physical therapy exercises, motivation to eat and keep hydrated, medication reminders and help with taking medications. Additionally, our caregivers are there to assist with walking and with transfers in and out of bed and chairs. Other services include meal preparation, light housekeeping, changing linens, doing laundry, taking out trash, running errands, shopping, assistance with pets, and providing driving assistance or arranging for transportation. Driving assistance may relate to outpatient surgery, dialysis, doctor appointments, outpatient therapy or even going to worship services. Sometimes all that is needed is to have a trusted companion to provide friendship and be there if help is needed. Our commitment to supervision for safety is emphasized with every caregiver pertaining to each client we assist. We strive to provide you with peace of mind.

Who can benefit from home care services

Anyone who needs non-medical assistance, whether it is 1 hour a day or up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week can benefit from using TenderCare home care assistance. Services are offered on a daily basis or from time to time. We do not have a minimum requirement for services; as little or as much help as you need. The conditions that our caregivers often provide assistance for are:

How do you select caregivers for each client?

The process is started when we receive a call or email about our home care services. We begin gathering information and determining your needs and preferences over the telephone or online correspondence. Then, based on your desires, a meeting can be arranged to further clarify needs and meet in person. This in-home consultation is free. If services are to be provided one-on-one in a facility, such as a skilled nursing center or assisted living facility, a meeting can take place there, as well. Additionally, the facility personnel may be able to provide details to us and our caregivers. Finally, we will identify a highly compatible caregiver based on their experience, skills, personality, and location from our extensive roster. If you would like to interview a potential caregiver, please let us know. We will be happy to arrange a personal or telephone interview as is most practical, depending on the client and the caregiver availability.

What if I'm not happy with the caregiver provided?

First, we will talk with you to better understand and define your needs and preferences. After services have been provided and you feel that our selection is not a good match, please let us know and we will provide another caregiver at the earliest convenience. Usually this can be accomplished within 48 hours.

Do you provide a free in-home assessment?

TenderCare will absolutely provide an assessment in your home or at another location, as desired, without charge. Other locations may be at a hospital, skilled nursing center, hospice unit, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility, or independent senior living community. We will be happy to meet with you and your family to identify and assess your needs and preferences. This helps us to understand the skills required to assist you in the best way possible. You or another family member may obtain information about our services and our reputation and prefer to arrange for services over the phone without a face-to-face meeting. We will be happy to accommodate that request, as well. Our knowledgeable office staff is able to determine home care coordination in either situation.

What is the screening process for caregivers?

We only accept caregivers with specific training as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and/or Home Health Aides (HHAs). Each caregiver is interviewed twice and we thoroughly review their qualifications, past work experience, and evaluate if they are positive, caring, friendly people that we would be proud to have join our caregiver community. Before a caregiver is added to our roster, he or she must be screened through the national criminal background check system, which is the FBI Level II screen. Additionally, the caregiver is confirmed with the State of Florida Department of Health for current and active certification status. Finally, each caregiver must present current CPR certification, a health screening, and inservice requirements to ensure that all of our clients are receiving the safest and highest quality home care possible.

Will I have the same caregiver each day or shift?

TenderCare's goal is to establish and provide a long term relationship between you, your family, and our caregivers. A key ingredient in developing a successful caregiving relationship is consistency. Supplying the right match from the beginning is one of the most important actions that TenderCare will undertake. Of course, if a caregiver is ill or otherwise unable provide services, we will arrange for a temporary alternate caregiver.

If I want to cancel services, how much notice do you require?

As a courtesy to our caregivers and our clients, please provide at least 1 business day or 24 hours to cancel services. We understand that life is full of changes and we are flexible to accommodate your home care needs.

Will Medicare, health insurance, or VA benefits pay for care?

Medicare, HMO's and most health insurance policies do not provide a benefit for custodial or non-medical home health care services. There are some Veteran Administration benefits that do cover some home care services. Please check carefully with your local VA office to determine if you may qualify.   In some instances, reimbursement has been obtained after services have been provided, but varies on each individual case.

Will my Long Term Care policy cover this service?

Most Long Term Care policies will provide coverage for non-medical home health care. Each policy is different and the benefits section of your policy will have very specific language on what is covered. Additionally, you should contact your agent or the insurer for benefit clarification. The TenderCare staff is happy to help with this process and we are able to assist in reviewing your policy and helping to determine if certain requirements are met before beginning non-medical home care through your Long Term Care policy.

Will Worker's Compensation Insurance cover home care?

TenderCare will provide home care services for worker's compensation cases that are authorized with prior approval from the insurer. We are happy to accept direct payment from the insurer, as well.

What is the first step to acquiring home care services through TenderCare?

Please contact our office for us to start learning about your needs and preferences. This communication can occur by a telephone call or by filling out the "Contact Us" portion of our website online. We look forward to assisting you and your family with our personal, compassionate and conscientious care.