Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about home care, caregivers, scheduling, and costs — so your family can make the right decision with confidence.
What should I look for when choosing a non-medical home care agency?
When choosing a non-medical home care company, look for more than just price. Ask about background checks, training, scheduling flexibility, and how they match caregivers with clients. A trusted companion care agency should focus on safety, reliability, and dignity — so your loved one can stay comfortable and independent at home.
What's the difference between companion care and skilled nursing?
If your loved one needs help with daily routines — like meals, errands, or companionship — non-medical companion care is often the right fit. Skilled nursing is usually only necessary when medical treatment, injections, or wound care are involved. Companion caregivers focus on comfort, support, and quality of life at home.
What are the most important questions to ask a home care agency?
Ask about caregiver training, background checks, scheduling flexibility, pricing, and how emergencies are handled. Also, find out if you can meet the caregiver before services start. The more transparent the agency, the more confident you’ll feel.
Can caregivers help with meal planning and special dietary needs?
Absolutely. Non-medical caregivers can prepare healthy meals, follow dietary restrictions, and even help with grocery shopping. For seniors with diabetes, heart disease, or specific cultural diets, companion care ensures nutrition is safe, balanced, and consistent.
Can a caregiver drive my loved one to appointments and outings?
Yes, many caregivers can drive clients to medical appointments, the grocery store, or even social visits. Transportation support is one of the most valuable parts of companion care, helping seniors stay active and connected.
Can caregivers provide medication reminders?
Yes, caregivers can provide gentle reminders to take medications on time, though they don’t administer them. Medication reminders are one of the most requested home care services.
Do caregivers assist with bathing, grooming, and dressing?
Yes, many non-medical caregivers assist with personal care like bathing, grooming, and dressing. This support helps seniors maintain dignity while staying safe.
Can caregivers help with grocery shopping and errands?
Yes. Non-medical caregivers often take clients to the grocery store, pharmacy, or even the post office, making life at home easier and more connected.
Do caregivers help with light housekeeping and laundry?
Definitely. Light housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping are part of companion care. These tasks make a huge difference for seniors who want to stay independent at home.
Can a caregiver support my loved one's exercise and walking routine?
Absolutely. Caregivers can accompany your loved one on walks, assist with safe stretching, or encourage gentle exercise to support mobility and health.
Can caregivers help seniors learn to use smartphones or video calling?
Yes, many non-medical caregivers can help seniors connect with loved ones through video calls, text messages, or even email. It’s a simple but powerful way to fight loneliness and keep families connected.
Will a caregiver support my loved one's hobbies and activities?
Yes, companion caregivers often encourage hobbies — from gardening to playing cards to going for walks. These activities keep seniors mentally engaged and emotionally fulfilled
Can a caregiver help with pet care?
Yes, many caregivers can help with light pet care like feeding, walking, or cleaning up. This is especially valuable for seniors whose pets are a source of comfort and companionship.
How do caregivers help prevent falls at home?
Yes. Caregivers can assist with mobility, clear clutter, and monitor for fall risks. Preventing falls is one of the top reasons families choose home care.
Can a caregiver provide support inside an assisted living facility?
Yes, companion caregivers can supplement support in assisted living or senior housing. Families often use them to add extra companionship or one-on-one attention.
Is home care available short-term for post-surgery recovery?
It’s best to call as soon as possible, especially if you know a surgery or recovery period is coming. Most agencies can arrange care within a few days, but scheduling early ensures the best caregiver match.
Are your caregivers trained to work with clients who have Alzheimer's or dementia?
Yes, many companion caregivers receive dementia care training. While they don’t provide medical treatment, they learn how to manage memory loss behaviors, create structure, and reduce stress for clients living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Does Highland Caregivers run background checks on all caregivers?
Reputable non-medical home care agencies always run thorough background checks, reference checks, and screenings before hiring. Families should ask about this upfront — it’s one of the best ways to ensure your loved one’s safety.
Are Highland Caregivers' caregivers CPR and first aid certified?
Many are, CPR and first aid training adds an extra layer of safety.
Can caregivers recognize early warning signs of health changes?
While they don’t provide medical care, experienced caregivers can often notice early warning signs like changes in appetite, mood, or mobility. They keep families informed so health issues can be addressed quickly.
How does Highland Caregivers protect my loved one's belongings and valuables?
Agencies bond and insure their caregivers. Families can also lock up valuables for peace of mind, but professional caregivers are held to strict standards.
What happens during a medical emergency or unexpected health event?
Caregivers are trained to stay calm, call 911 if needed, and notify the family right away. Agencies have emergency protocols so families know their loved one is never left unsupported.
How does Highland Caregivers ensure caregiver consistency for my loved one?
Good agencies invest in caregiver training, fair pay, and support, which helps keep caregivers long-term. Consistency is important for clients, so retention matters.
Can you match a caregiver who shares my loved one's language or cultural background?
Agencies often do their best to match clients with caregivers who share cultural understanding or language. This creates comfort and builds trust, especially for seniors who prefer familiar traditions.
What if my loved one doesn't connect with their assigned caregiver?
It happens sometimes — personalities don’t always match. Good agencies will quickly make adjustments and find a caregiver who’s a better fit. Families should never feel stuck.
Yes, you can. Agencies often try to honor preferences about gender, language, or cultural background to ensure comfort.
It happens sometimes — personalities don’t always match. Good agencies will quickly make adjustments and find a caregiver who’s a better fit. Families should never feel stuck.
Can care plans be adjusted as my loved one's needs change?
Home care plans are designed to be flexible. Whether your loved one needs a few extra hours per week or shifts after surgery, non-medical caregiver agencies can adjust the schedule quickly. This flexibility helps families avoid gaps in support.
Is there a minimum number of hours per caregiver visit?
We do set a small minimum — often 2–4 hours per visit — so caregivers can provide meaningful support. Beyond that, families can schedule as much or as little time as needed.
Do you offer overnight, weekend, or 24-hour care?
Yes. Many agencies provide overnight shifts, weekend coverage, and even 24-hour care. Flexible scheduling ensures families have peace of mind whenever support is needed.
How easy is it to change or adjust the care schedule?
Yes. Care plans are flexible. You can add, reduce, or shift hours as life changes.
Are caregivers available on holidays?
Yes. Many agencies offer caregiver support during holidays, when families may be traveling or unavailable.
What is your backup plan if a caregiver is unavailable?
The agency provides backup caregivers so there’s no gap in coverage. Families are always notified of changes.
Does long-term care insurance cover non-medical home care?
In most cases, yes. Long-term care insurance often covers in-home support like personal care and companion services. Each policy is different, so families should review their benefits carefully or ask the agency for help with paperwork.
What's the cost difference between hourly and live-in home care?
Hourly care is best for part-time support, while live-in care can be more cost-effective for clients who need daily help. Costs vary depending on hours, but families often combine both approaches to balance needs and budget.
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for non-medical home care in Connecticut?
Medicare usually does not cover non-medical home care, but Medicaid in Connecticut often does for those who qualify. Families should explore state programs that help cover the cost of daily support.
What financial assistance programs are available for home care in Connecticut?
Yes, many states — including Connecticut — offer financial aid for non-medical home care. This may come through Medicaid, veterans’ programs, or local community grants. Families are often surprised by what’s available.
How does the cost of home care compare to assisted living?
Often, yes. For seniors who need part-time support, home care can be much more affordable than moving into a facility. However, we stronger believe in the benefit of ALF care and work in coordination with assisted living facilities.
Can families pay privately for home care services?
Yes. Many families use private pay for flexibility, sometimes combining it with insurance or veteran’s benefits.
Do veterans qualify for home care benefits?
Yes. Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for benefits that cover non-medical home care through programs like Aid & Attendance.
What options exist for families who earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford full private pay?
Some states, nonprofits, and community programs offer grants or subsidies for families in this situation. It’s worth asking your local agency for guidance.
Can home care work alongside hospice or palliative care?
Companion care often works hand-in-hand with hospice or palliative care. Caregivers can provide comfort, help around the home, and emotional support while hospice handles the medical side. Families benefit from a full circle of care.
Do you offer specialized programs for veterans or people with disabilities?
Yes. Some companion care providers partner with veteran programs or disability services to help cover costs and provide specialized support. Families should always ask about local programs available in their area.
How do I convince my parent to accept home care when they're resistant?
It’s common for older adults to resist home care, often because they worry about losing independence or feel uncomfortable accepting help. The best approach is to start with open, respectful conversations. Ask your parents about their concerns and reassure them that home care is about supporting independence, not taking it away.You can suggest starting with just a few hours a week for tasks like meals, housekeeping, or companionship. Sometimes introducing care gradually makes the transition easier.At Highland Caregivers, we focus on matching families with compassionate caregivers who feel more like a friend than “staff.” This helps ease the adjustment and builds trust over time. Many families find that once their loved one experiences the relief and comfort of having extra support, they become much more open to continuing care.
How do I talk to my family about hiring a caregiver?
It helps to focus on your loved one’s needs, not family disagreements. Families should discuss safety, independence, and stress relief rather than who is ‘doing enough.’ A caregiver can reduce tension by sharing responsibility.
Will home care take away my loved one's independence?
No. The goal of home care is the opposite — it’s about supporting independence. Caregivers help with tasks that may have become difficult, allowing seniors to stay home longer.
How can I tell if home care is making a difference?
You’ll notice improvements in mood, safety, and daily routines. Families often say they feel relief knowing their loved one is cared for and not alone.
What if my loved one feels embarrassed or uncomfortable accepting care?
This is very common. Caregivers are trained to be respectful and discreet, supporting clients in a way that feels comfortable rather than intrusive.
How does hiring a caregiver help with family caregiver burnout?
By sharing the load. Caregivers step in so family members can rest, recharge, and spend more meaningful time with their loved ones.
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