Here are a few questions often asked about our services.
Q: WHAT KIND OF SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
A: We provide companion care and personal care services that are designed to take over or assist in the activities that elders need to be able to stay at home safely and with dignity. These may include medication and fluids reminders, light housekeeping, meal preparation, grooming or bathing assistance, transport to medical appointments, and running errands.
Q: WHAT DOES THE TERM “ AGING IN PLACE ” MEAN?
A: This refers to the ability of any person to grow old in their own home or that of their family. It is the opposite of institutional residential care like a nursing home.
Q: HOW DOES THE COST OF CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES COMPARE WITH ASSISTED LIVING OR NURSING HOME CARE?
A: On average, in-home care can cost about 1/3 the cost of an Assisted Living facility and typically less than 1/4 of what Nursing Home care would cost. Please contact us to receive a more accurate estimate for your individual care needs.
Q. WHO PAYS THE CAREGIVER, ME, OR YOU?
A: For “Private Pay” clients, we handle all the billing, payroll, taxes, insurance and administrative responsibilities for you. This is a great advantage over having to handle these details when hiring an individual as a direct caregiver, for example.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR RATES AND MINIMUM HOURS OF SERVICE?
A: Please contact the office nearest the individual needing services, for specific rate information and a professional assessment.
Q: WHY SHOULD I USE CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA AGING SERVICES RATHER THAN HIRING AN INDIVIDUAL?
A: There are several reasons why we should be your choice for in-home care. All of our caregivers are screened, trained, insured and bonded. Our large staff of quality employees ensures that the most compatible and reliable caregiver will be there for you, your family member or loved one.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAREGIVER GETS SICK?
A: We employ a team approach so that continuous coverage may be provided when a substitute is available. If one caregiver is sick, another is normally available for backup. Your case manager will thoroughly discuss with you how alternate caregiver arrangements are handled. Situations may arise where weather or illnesses may affect our ability to provide an alternative caregiver. In those situations, we will outline a backup plan as desired by the family/support base.
Q: IS CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES, INC. A MAID SERVICE?
A: No, but we do offer some basic “chore” services such as light housekeeping, laundry and ironing.
Q: WHAT ARE “PERSONAL CARE” SERVICES?
A. To receive personal care services, an individual must have a straight Medicaid Card and qualify medically by having three or more deficits. This is a blue and white paper card (looks similar to a check stub) that comes in the mail from the government. It should pay the total amount of a bill to a physician, medical supply company, hospital, or pharmacy. Please note: IT SHOULD NOT SAY QMB ON THE CARD. THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROGRAM. Someone receiving a medical card could also be on a “spend down.” This means that the person is only eligible for the medicaid card during the “Spend-Down Period” and must be periodically reviewed for eligibility at your local DHHR every 6 months. Therefore, the person would not be eligible for personal care services at least part of the time. An RN from our agency can complete the PAS ( Medical Form). A doctor must sign off on the PAS to determine eligibility. Also, a person receiving these services must accept assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming.) Transportation is not provided through this program. All services are provided in the home by a homemaker. A nurse will also visit periodically.
Q. WHAT ARE THE “HELPING HANDS” SERVICES?
A. Helping Hands services are provided at times to individuals who do not meet other program guidelines or are waiting for services to begin from one of the other programs. This program was developed to assist those in dire need of immediate In-Home Services. Helping Hands has also been used to assist with providing medications, cleaning supplies, heavy duty cleaning, and transportation. All Helping Hands Services are based on availability of funds. The “Helping Hands” services are provided at times to individuals who do not meet other program guidelines, are terminal, or are waiting for services to begin from one of the other programs. All services are based on availability of funds and budget restrictions. There is a sliding-fee schedule available for donations.
Q: HOW QUICKLY CAN SERVICES BE PROVIDED?
A: Generally services can be provided within a 48-hour period and in some cases the same day, depending on the timing of professional assessments, funding approvals and/or insurance coverage.
Q: HOW DO I START SERVICES?
A: See the “Locations” page for a complete list of offices and the West Virginia counties each serves, or call 1-800-296-0069.