Questions Families Ask Before Getting Started
Here are answers to what most families want to know before they call.
About Our Services
What services do you offer?
We offer personal care, companionship, memory care support, respite care, and recovery support. All services are non-medical and provided at the client's home.
Do you provide 24-hour or overnight care?
Yes. We can accommodate 24-hour care. Pricing for extended coverage is discussed on a case-by-case basis. These requests are not common, but we can make it work.
Do you help clients living with Alzheimer's or dementia?
Yes. We provide memory care support for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. Our caregivers are trained specifically in dementia care and work to maintain familiar routines and a calm environment.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes. Caregivers can provide transportation for errands, doctor's appointments, and leisure outings. All caregivers who provide transportation are required to carry proof of insurance and a clean driving record on file.
Do you offer free in-home assessments?
Yes. Every prospective client starts with a free in-home assessment. Brittany conducts these personally.
Pricing and Fees
How much does in-home care cost?
$31 per hour. That is the rate. There are no additional fees for any reason.
Are there extra charges for evenings, weekends, or holidays?
No surcharges for evenings, weekends, or most holidays. We do close on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday. Our caregivers have families too, and we respect that. Care on those days can sometimes be arranged, but it is not guaranteed and should be discussed in advance.
Do you accept long-term care insurance?
We do not bill long-term care insurance directly. The agency must be paid on time each billing cycle, and families are responsible for filing their own claims and collecting reimbursement. We make that process easier by completing all required care documentation so families can submit accurately to their insurer. Keeping this responsibility with the family is also part of how we keep our hourly rate lower than agencies that handle billing in-house.
What is the Catawba Area Agency on Aging grant and how do I apply?
The Catawba Area Agency on Aging (Catawba AAA) is the designated area agency on aging for Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York counties in South Carolina. It is a freestanding, private non-profit that devotes 100% of its time to aging issues. Forever Home is an approved provider. To apply for assistance, call (803) 329-9670 or toll-free 1-800-662-8330.
Caregivers and Hiring
How do you screen caregivers?
Every caregiver completes a selective interview, a 5-panel drug screening before hire, a South Carolina SLED background check, and provides proof of insurance and a driving record. Random drug screenings are conducted annually.
Will my parent have the same caregiver each visit?
Yes. Some clients require more than one caregiver, and those small teams work together to cover scheduled time off. If a substitute caregiver is ever needed, one will be offered, never assumed. We keep open communication with families to figure out what works best. Caregivers give two weeks' notice for planned time off, and in many cases families choose to work around that schedule rather than bring in someone unfamiliar. That choice always belongs to the family.
What training do caregivers receive?
Caregivers complete 10 required training courses at hire and again each year: Ethics in Healthcare, Safe Patient Handling, Assisting with Medication Self-Administration, Basic First Aid, Introduction to Dementia Care, Activities for Older Adults with Dementia, Patient Rights, Responding to and Reporting Elder Abuse, Observation, Reporting, and Documentation, and Infection Control Techniques. Brittany personally leads all training.
Getting Started
How quickly can care begin?
Typically within one week of the free in-home assessment. Timeline may vary depending on the level of care needed.
What is the minimum number of hours per visit?
Two hours per visit.
What areas do you serve?
All of York County, portions of Lancaster County, and portions of Chester County. Contact us if you are unsure whether we cover your specific location.
How do I know if Forever Home is the right fit for my family?
The best way to know is to talk with us. We will take time to understand your situation, answer your questions honestly, and put together a care plan that fits your family. There is no pressure, just a real conversation.