In-home care Contracts, Cancellation, and Cash. What you don't know CAN hurt you.
Abby Services
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Abby Services
Aug 13, 2024
Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
What do we mean by, “In-home care Contracts, Cancellation, and Cash can hurt you?”, it seems a little over dramatic. The reality is many seniors and their families seeking in-home care may not fully understand (or may be deceived) by In-home care contracts, an in-home care cancellation policy, or a deposit for in-home care.
What does Abby Services know about in-home care contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits?
Abby Services has been helping seniors and families seeking in-home caregivers in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas since 1997. In that time we have seen and heard many stories of how unclear contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits have hurt consumers.
Our business was started to help connect seniors with the in-home caregivers they need to remain safe and independent at home. What seems simple can become quite complex. We have worked with many family members entrusted to help manage a senior’s limited resources. Using our experience and expertise we will try to break down the details below.
In-Home Care Contracts: A Necessary Evil
When seniors and their families are evaluating in-home care options the choices can be overwhelming. This is further clouded by deceptive practices advertising NO CONTRACT.
It makes sense that families would desire a no-contract option for in-home care. Typically a no-contract option is presented to families as a way to deceive them into believing they have a limited commitment to an in-home care service.
What many families are not aware of is that there is are in fact in-home care contracts in place . Sometimes a service will simply call the contract an “agreement” “caregiver arrangement” or any other verbiage other than “contract”. These arrangements are still contracts that outline important expectations, requirements, and obligations.
Other services that advertise “No Contract” may not have an upfront contract however every time a caregiver visits their loved one, they are asked to sign a contract agreeing to pay. Again this is still a contract.
Some Services that do have in-home care contracts, will have long confusing multi-page documents that are filled with legal jargon and confusing provisions and terminology.
How Abby Services approaches In-Home Care Contracts.
At Abby Services our belief is that an informed consumer is a happy consumer. In the state of Florida, we are required to review specific information with clients. This is included in our in-home care contracts (we sometimes refer to this as a service agreement).
Our service agreement is a one page document that clearly and concisely outlines what charges to expect, your cancellation policy, as well as information we are required to provide to clients and their families.
Yes there is an contract (as there should be). However, the in-home caregiver contract is clear and concise to avoid misunderstanding and misleading a consumer. We provide this contract freely to the consumer to review and understand.
In-Home Care Cancellation Policies
In-Home care cancellation policies are important. They clearly define to clients, caregivers, and services like Abby Services what to expect. As discussed above, contracts that include clearly defined cancellation policies are important to avoid misunderstanding.
What to watch out for when reviewing cancellation policies.
When evaluating In-Home care cancellation policies it is important to ensure that they are clear but also that they are fair and flexible.
Unfortunately, the circumstances requiring in-home care can change quickly. Not all cancellation policies recognize this fact. Just recently we spoke with a client who was upset. They signed a contract with a large national franchise that required a 2-week cancellation notice.
If you are seeking in-home care in Fort Myers or Cape Coral this is not standard, it is not ok, nor is it acceptable. A 2-week cancellation policy in this client’s case would have required a client to lose their 2-week deposit and limited their options and opportunities when seeking care. The client simply wanted to cancel because the large in-home care franchise took away a caregiver the client liked.
Abby Services In-Home Caregiver Cancellation Policy
Abby Services has a clearly defined cancellation policy that is fair and flexible. This helps to protect both the clients and caregivers we work with. The section on our agreement reads as follows:
Termination of Services: I agree that scheduled shifts may be canceled with at least 4 hours advance notice by calling 239-590-0861. Please leave a message with the details of your call. Failure to cancel within 4 hours, or refusal of scheduled service, may result in billing for 4 hours of service.
What this means is that you can cancel at any time with just 4 hours advance notice. This is a courtesy to the caregiver who has made arrangements to provide their services.
Cancellation can be made simply by calling our phone number and leaving a message (if after hours).
If within the 4-hour time frame, we reserve the right to invoice for just 4 hours of service as a way for you to compensate your caregiver.
In-home care deposits.
In-Home care deposits are what we are referring to when we say in-home care cash. Why? Honestly, it seemed like a clever title. The reality is that different in-home care services approach deposits differently.
In the example above the service required a 2-week deposit. This combined with the limiting nature of their contract seemed extremely excessive and is why we chose to write this entry.
Let’s face it. It would be great if we could do everything on a handshake. Like many other businesses, we have had to manage client and family non-payment. A deposit is typically an attempt to balance the risk of non- payment.
Abby Services approach to customer deposits
At Abby Services we have identified a great way to handle In-Home Care deposits, we don’t take them.
That’s right, at Abby Services, we do not require a customer deposit. We are able to accomplish this using a client payment processing platform called Ally.
By using this system, clients can be invoiced by their caregivers quickly and efficiently. This minimizes delays in billing and payment and eliminates the need for a deposit.
When choosing an in-home care service its important to call Abby Services.
When choosing an in-home caregiver service for yourself or a loved one we always encourage families to call around. Dont take our word for it. You should carefully evaluate what others say. Pay close attention to the in-home care contracts you are presented.
Hopefully armed with this information you can make an educated choice and understand that No-Contract doesn’t exactly mean what customers are sometimes led to believe. You should also pay close attention to deposit and cancellation policies.
If you have any questions you can always call Abby Services at 239-590-0861. We are here to help.
- To view the original version of this article visit abbyservices.com/in-home-care-contracts-cancellation/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
4 Myths About Home Caregiving Services, Debunked By Maria Burke, RN, Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care
Many families may be reluctant to hire home care partners because of widely held, but frequently untrue impressions of what home caregiving services are like based on things theyve heard. But the truth is, much of that talk is inaccurate. The truth is home caregiving services often improve quality of life for both seniors and their families. Lets separate fact from fiction with these four myths about home caregiving services, debunked.1. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Too ExpensiveOften, families are reluctant to use home caregiving services because they believe it would be too expensive. And they are often unaware that insurance covers many necessary home caregiving services. In reality, home caregiving services are far less expensive than nursing home care. Comparatively, it makes good financial sense to opt for home caregiving services. Plus, home caregiving services allow your beloved senior to stay in a familiar place surrounded by people who love them, and that has so many benefits in terms of comfort and ease for your loved one.2. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Inferior to Assisted Living or Nursing Home CareAnother common myth about home caregiving services is that they are inferior to assisted living or nursing home care. As a result, families often believe that their loved one will receive better or more consistent care in a nursing home. But this isnt the case. Indeed, home caregiving services allow you to be involved and aware of the services your loved one receives in a way that is different if your beloved senior resides in a facility. Furthermore, home caregiving staff are fully trained, certified and bonded and have extensive qualifications. And importantly, your senior loved one will receive undivided attention rather than being one of many patients in a facility. 3. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Place Seniors at RiskFamilies often worry that choosing home caregiving services will place their beloved seniors at risk. In reality, however, home caregiving services can often be safer than assisted living or nursing home options. Since you are in charge of the staff you select, you can fully screen them and choose a person that best fits your loved ones needs, personality and expectations. Your loved one isnt exposed to the same risks as they would be in communal living. The COVID-19 pandemic was a tragic example of just how unsafe assisted living and nursing home facilities can be. Indeed, when seniors live in large groups and often without adequate numbers of staff, it can be foster an environment where communal diseases spread. Thats something your senior loved one is far less likely to experience when living in their own home.4. Myth: I Should Do All Caregiving MyselfCare partners too often place a heavy burden on themselves by attempting to do 100% of the care their senior loved one needs. This leads to burnout and can strain family relationships at a time when both you and your senior loved one would prefer to enjoy quality time together. And often, this is a result of believing the myth that your senior loved one wont be comfortable or safe with anyone else. However, this isnt the case. In fact, home caregiving services give both you and your senior loved one a much-needed break. And because you choose your care partner, you can ensure that both you and your beloved senior are comfortable with the person providing their care. At Celtic Angels, Inc., we take your beloved seniors safety and comfort seriously. Thats why we fully vet and train each of our care partners, and we always tailor care to your unique situation. If you are interested in exploring home caregiving services for your senior loved one, we encourage you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with our care partners in your home. Please visit us at www.celticangelsinc.com
7 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Home Health, Answered by Maria Burke, RN, Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care
Making decisions about your future or that of a senior loved one is often daunting. All the what ifs keep you up at night, and its hard to know whats best. Most people would prefer to age in place, but how do you know whether thats right for you or your senior loved one? Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about home health, answered. 1. Is In-Home Health Care Safe?Naturally, one of the first questions many people have is whether in-home health care is safe. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Care partners from reputable agencies, like Celtic Angels, are fully trained, certified, and thoroughly screened. 2. Will I/My Senior Loved One Receive Quality Care?Absolutely! Home health care partners are skilled in their jobs, so you can trust that you/your senior loved one will receive quality care. Plus, one of the best things about in-home health care is family members are able to monitor the type of care their senior loved one receives much more closely than they would if their loved one was in assisted living or a nursing home.3. Would My Senior Loved One Be Better Off in a Nursing Home?Most seniors prefer to age in place rather than in a nursing home, and families should feel confident knowing thats an excellent choice. In fact, a recent study found that in-home health care offers a variety of benefits to seniors and their families and that many seniors in nursing homes dont have a medical need to be there. Plus, in-home health care keeps your senior loved one from being exposed to the risks of communal living, which were sadly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.4. Is Home Health Expensive?In-home health can be more affordable than you may realize. Indeed, the same study mentioned above found that on average, in-home health care cost approximately $25,000 less per year than nursing home care. 5. What Services Are Available Through Home Health?A multitude of services are available through in-home health care. For example, at Celtic Angels, we offer everything from homemaking services to skilled nursing. You can read more about the many services we provide at www.celticangelsinc.com 6. Can I Choose My Care Partner?Of course! Its imperative that you and your senior loved one feel comfortable with your care partner. Thats why Celtic Angels always schedules a no-cost, no-obligation initial meeting in your home, during which you have the opportunity to discuss a custom-tailored care program for you or your loved one. 7. How Do I Know Which Home Health Agency to Choose?Choosing the right in-home health care agency is an important decision. We recommend checking to see whether the agency is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. You should also ask about what certifications and training their CNAs and HHAs have and how they conduct background checks for care partners. Its always a good idea to ask for references, as well. Would you like to learn more about home health or set up a meeting to see if Celtic Angels is the right fit for you/your senior loved one? Contact us today to begin!
5 Key Benefits of Free Senior Care Listings on SeniorsBlueBook.com for Home Health Providers
For home health providers, connecting with the right audience can be challenging in a competitive digital landscape. Families and caregivers searching for reliable services often turn to online platforms to find trusted senior care options. Free senior care listings on seniorsbluebook.com are an invaluable tool to enhance home health provider marketing, increase visibility, and attract potential clients without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will explore five key benefits of utilizing free listings and how they can transform your marketing efforts. 1. Increased Online Visibility Being listed on seniorsbluebook.com is an excellent way to highlight your business. With detailed profiles and accurate contact information, families searching for home health providers in your area can find you quickly and easily. Tip: Ensure your listing includes relevant keywords, such as "home health provider marketing," to maximize search engine optimization (SEO). 2. Build Trust and Credibility A presence on reputable senior care listing platforms establishes your business as a trusted and reliable option. Listings often allow providers to include customer reviews and testimonials, which can significantly influence the decision-making process for families. Best Practice: Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on your listing to build credibility. 3. Cost-Effective Marketing Free listings (like the ones found on seniorsbluebook.com) provide a budget-friendly way to promote your services. Unlike paid advertising campaigns, free listings require little to no investment while delivering measurable results. This makes them an excellent choice for home health providers looking to expand their reach without overspending. Tip: Combine free listings with other marketing strategies like social media and email campaigns for maximum impact. 4. Reach a Targeted Audience Senior care listings cater specifically to families and caregivers actively searching for home health providers. This targeted audience ensures your marketing efforts are focused on reaching the right people, increasing the likelihood of generating quality leads. Tip: Keep your profile updated with accurate information about your services, specialties, and availability to attract the most relevant inquiries. 5. Position Your Business for Growth Free listings are an excellent starting point for building an online presence. They help establish a foundation for future growth, whether you are looking to expand services, explore premium listing options, or invest in advanced marketing strategies. By leveraging free listings, you position your business for sustained success in the competitive senior care market. Additional Tips for Maximizing Free Listings Add High-Quality Images: Highlight your team, facilities, or services with professional photos to make your listing more appealing. Use Keywords Strategically: Incorporate terms like "home health provider marketing" to improve search rankings. Monitor and Update Regularly: Keep your listing current to reflect changes in services, contact information, or availability. Engage with Inquiries Promptly: Respond quickly to questions or messages from potential clients to build trust and increase conversion rates. Free senior care listings are a powerful and cost-effective tool for home health providers to enhance online visibility, build trust, and connect with the right audience. By taking advantage of these platforms, you can position your business for long-term growth and success. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your reach, free listings provide an easy and effective way to stand out in the crowded senior care market. Seniors Blue Book is here to help home health providers maximize their marketing potential with free listings. Join our platform today to highlight your services, engage potential clients, and take the first step toward greater visibility and success. Visit Seniors Blue Book now to get started!
Local Services By This Author
Abby Services In-Home Care
Non-Medical 6314 Corporate Ct. #160, Fort Myers, Florida, 33919Abby Services is a family-owned and operated Nurse Registry that has been serving our area's seniors for over 20 years. Abby Services helps Fort Myers and Cape Coral seniors stay at home by assisting them to find professional, safe, trustworthy caregivers. Tom Strachan (On Left) started Abby Services from his home in 1996. At that time, only a handful of care services assisted our area seniors. Since then Tom has retired but Abby Services lives on through his son and daughter Scott Strachan and Jaimee Thompson. Although there are many franchises and new inexperienced in-home care services Abby Services is proud of its experience, value, and level of service. Scott Strachan (On Right) is an RN and Administrator of Abby Services. He has also been a caregiver with Abby Services while working as a CNA. Scott attended Nursing School at Penn State University. As an RN he has worked in a variety of settings throughout the country including Med-Surg, Hospice, Palliative Care, Oncology, Ortho, Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Neuro ICU, Cardiac Rehab, and In-Home Care. He has even worked locally at Lee Memorial Hospital, Shell Point, and other local facilities. Jaimee Thompson is often known as the face of Abby Services. She has been with the service since it was founded in 1997 and works hard to promote the professional in-home care services they offer. She is very active in the community and works closely with Abby Services Community Partners. You may see her visiting individuals at some of the best senior care facilities in our area. Jaimee is proud of the fair and honest service Abby Services has become known for. Let the Abby Services family help your family, call today!
Abby Services In-Home Care
Home Health 6314 Corporate Ct #160, Fort Myers, Florida, 33919Abby Services is a family-owned and operated Nurse Registry serving our area's seniors for over 20 years. Abby Services helps Fort Myers and Cape Coral seniors stay home by helping them find professional, safe, trustworthy in-home caregivers. Tom Strachan (On Left) started Abby Services from his home in 1996. At that time, only a handful of care services assisted our area seniors. Since then Tom has retired but Abby Services lives on through his son and daughter Scott Strachan and Jaimee Thompson. Although there are many franchises and new inexperienced in-home care services Abby Services is proud of its experience, value, and level of service. Scott Strachan (On Right) is an RN and Administrator of Abby Services. He has also been a caregiver with Abby Services while working as a CNA. Scott attended Nursing School at Penn State University. As an RN he has worked in a variety of settings throughout the country including Med-Surg, Hospice, Palliative Care, Oncology, Ortho, Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Neuro ICU, Cardiac Rehab, and In-Home Care. He has even worked locally at Lee Memorial Hospital, Shell Point, and other local facilities. Jaimee Thompson is often known as the face of Abby Services. She has been with the service since it was founded in 1997 and works hard to promote the professional In in-home care services they offer. She is very active in the community and works closely with Abby Services Community Partners. You may see her visiting individuals at some of the best senior care facilities in our area. Jaimee is proud of the fair and honest service Abby Services has become known for. Let the Abby Services family help your family, call today!