Most Frequently Asked Questions – Six on Seniors
Home Connection Companions is a division of 20 year old Nurse Connection Staffing and specializes in placing companions in the homes of seniors for friendly visits which can include conversation, meal preparation, light housekeeping or playing cards or board games. Our companions are also able to take clients to the grocery store, drug stores, and medical appointments or even out to social events at senior centers and such. Our companions are your neighbors – they live in your community and can best be described as loving, caring extensions of your family.
Who are likely candidates for companion services offered by Home Connection Companions?
Our clients are mostly seniors. Most live in their own home or apartment but some live in assisted living facilities and once in a while we are asked to perform services while a family member is in the hospital or rehabilitation center. Recently we’ve seen an uptick in calls from families wanting assistance with recently discharged patients – many area hospital discharge planners will recommend Home Connection Companions to their clients. Also, our companions are available to assist the caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients – these individuals often neglect their own well being in love and service to a spouse, parent, grandparent or friend.
Are there restrictions on what a Home Connection Companion can do as part of your service?
Home Connection Companions offers friendly home visits for conversation and meal preparation with additional services such as local travel to senior centers or medical appointments. We do not provide any type of medical care, physical assistance in daily activities nor do we dispense medications.
Who would generally call Home Connection Companions?
Most of our inquiries come from children living locally but recently we’ve seen increased inquiries from children and even grandchildren living outside the area. Also we are in touch with many social workers and discharge planners at local hospitals and rehabilitation centers who then pass our name along to family members. Basically, anyone with someone who may be spending a great part of their day alone might call us. We fight loneliness!
What concerns are expressed to you by the caregivers?
Each and every person inquiring about our service wants to be assured their mom or dad or grandparent will be in safe hands during our visits. They want assurances that our companions have been fully investigated. The next most important issue is compatibility between our client and companion. We constantly remind ourselves this – our companions are invited quests in the homes of our clients,
How do the “clients” react to the news that a companion has been recommended to assist in their care?
The reaction is always positive. Our seniors are smart and caring people. They know their family and friends are very busy. When family comes to visit, they want quality time with them. They don’t want them doing routine tasks. That’s where Home Connection Companions come in. We improve the quality of life for the client and their family. Our out of town children are really thankful for us knowing that daily basics are being looked over and things are okay.
How hard is the process to begin companion services with Home Connection Companions?
It’s easy. In a few recent instances, we received calls to provide companionship for clients while they were in the hospital and we had a companion there that evening. We placed a companion for just Thanksgiving Day on one day notice. More often we get about a week to meet with the family and client along with a potential companion. The bottom line is this: we are able to move as quickly as is needed.
What specific details can you give us?
Our billing rate is $17.50 per hour for 2012 and we provide service in 2 hour minimum time blocks. This gives the client time to enjoy the visit and get those routine tasks accomplished. Of course, we can always set aside more time. We have had clients with 24/7 needs. Billing is usually made to the client or to a family member but we’ve also billed attorneys or other responsible caregiver. Some long term care policies to cover this type of companionship so each family has to check in to that. Also there are New York State run insurance plans such as Fidelis that do offer coverage for this type of benefit.
What is the best way to contact Home Connection Companions?
Local family members can always call us at 518-453-5446. Out of town family and friends can use our toll free number 1-866-811-4300. Our phones are staffed 24/7/365. Our web site contains some valuable information and is www.homeconnectioncompanions.com
What else can you tell us about home companionship?
You know, this program is so valuable to family members of our seniors. You can’t really put a price on peace of mind. Knowing that when you go for a visit, you can just relax and enjoy your time with mom and dad is invaluable. I know this as my wife and I are the “companions” for my mom who is 87 and when my brother visits from Texas, he and mom can just enjoy each other. It makes me happy to see that.
