FAQ

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions. Please contact us at any time should you have additional questions.

Q - What is Home Care?
A - Any health related service that is provided to a client in their home. Services assist client's in managing their own needs such as personal care, cleaning and laundry. We provide services to our clients in nursing homes, assisted live-in facilities and hospitals.

Q - I could use some assistance with some basic things in my home. How do I arrange Home Care Services?
A - Start by calling one of our office locations and the manager will be happy to assist you with answers to all of your questions. From there, a manager will arrange for a convenient time to meet with you and/or your loved one at your home for a free, no-obligation assessment. During this appointment we will discuss care needs, desired frequency of care visits, duties to be performed and other issues related to care. If you wish to have our services, the manager will create a Care Plan for you based on your needs and preferences. We will provide thorough case management until the conclusion of services so that clients/families can be reassured that you are receiving the most appropriate and personalized care available.

Q - Is Home Care expensive? Who pays for Home Care?
A - Home Care expenses depend on many factors, such as frequency of visit and type of care. Your manager can give you a better idea during your initial visit. The cost of Home Care is far less than the alternative of a retirement home or long term care facility and helps our clients to remain at home for as long as possible. Billing is sent directly to the client. If some other person or company is alternatively paying for the services, the detailed bill can be sent directly to them for remittance. In many cases, your extended health care plan will cover some or all of your expenses.

Q - Are the fees tax deductible?
A - For some, services are not covered by an extended health plan, and the bill can be submitted to Revenue Canada to be included and used as a part of eligible annual health care expense deductions. Please contact us so that we can advise you on which health care expenses are tax deductible.

Q - How often will I get care?
A - Frequency of care is dependent on your needs and personal preferences. We will work with you to determine your personal care goals. We do require a minimum of two hours.

Q - Do I have to sign a contract?
A - We require all Health Matters clients to sign a contract acknowledging our presence in your home and authorizing our staff to provide services. This contract is by no means bound by time and can be dissolved at any moment, with no penalty to you. It eliminates any confusion about your care. We recommend you show a copy of your contract to someone you trust.

Q - I'm nervous about people coming into my home. How can I be sure that we'll get along?
A - During your initial meeting with a Health Matters manager, you will have the opportunity to review staff profiles. Health Matters has designed "Unite", a compatibility profiler. Based on your assessment information a manager is able to provide you with a variety of staff profiles that best match your need, character, background and values. You will then have the opportunity to choose which staff person you prefer. If at any time, you are not satisfied with your staff person, give us a call and we will immediately find a more suitable replacement.

Q- How can I be assured the employees that you send to me are reputable?
A - All of our employees are interviewed by a team of experienced managers. No candidate is offered a position with Health Matters until they pass the following qualifications: professional and personal reference checks, validation of credentials and a current police check prior to hire. Our employees are bonded and the company is sufficiently insured

Q- What is the difference between personal support care and homemaking?
A - Personal support care is provided by a trained and highly qualified Personal Support Worker (PSW), who will assist with bathing, toileting and dressing. Homemaking is provided by an individual experienced in duties such as shopping, light cleaning, meal preparation and laundry.