Recco Puts the Heart in Home Care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

If you’re considering the use of a home health care agency for the first time, you may find you have quite a few unanswered questions. The purpose of this part of our site is to help you find some of those answers.

What is home health care?

Home health care is a service where a client receives one-on-one assistance from a qualified professional in the safety and comfort of their home. Home health care ranges greatly and can cover a broad range of needs – both temporary and permanent. Some times our clients require assistant a couple of hours each day to help with bathing, dressing and activities of daily living, while other clients require someone available around the clock. By receiving home care services in their homes, clients can live more healthy and independent lives. The personalized services that clients receive both empower them and improve safety, well-being, and overall happiness. Our goal is for clients to live comfortably at home with the best care possible. If you think you or your loved one can benefit from these services or if your family is simply unable to meet the needs of a loved one who wishes to remain in their own home, home health care may be the right choice for you.

What is the difference from a Home Health Aide/Personal Care aide and a Companion?

Homemaker/companions are primarily that….a companion. They are not permitted to do any “hands on care” to the client. The primary role of a companion would be meal preparation, housekeeping and shopping. If the client requires more assistance, like help with bathing, dressing, walking, etc. then a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide would be needed.

What type of licensures and certifications do you have?

Recco Home Care Service, Inc. is licensed by the New York State Department of Health. In order to maintain that license, we must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. We are also Accredited by The Joint Commission and have earned their “Gold Seal” of approval.

What does it mean to be licensed and do all home care agencies need to be licensed by NYS?

New York State does require that all home care agencies be licensed in order to perform “hands on” personal care. It does not, however, require licensing of “Companion” agencies. These unlicensed agencies are not required to follow any regulations to ensure client safety. They are not required to do fingerprinting or background checks on their employees. They are also NOT permitted to do any tasks for the client like dressing, bathing, assist with walking, transferring. They are only permitted to provide companion services. Once the client’s condition changes and they need more direct care, they would then need to be transferred to a Licensed Agency. Some licensed agencies also perform companion services. This is the ideal situation when looking for companion services. Using an agency that is licensed will make the transition easier if the client’s needs should change and more care is needed. The personal care services would then transfer over seamlessly, without having to change agencies.

What type of employee screening is done on your staff?

All our Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides go through a rigorous application process with Recco. They are required to have a valid certificate. They must be fingerprinted and their references are checked, as well as up to date medical and immunizations before they are permitted to work for any client.

What type of questions should I ask when selecting a home care provider?

There are many important factors to consider in choosing the best agency to meet your needs. We feel one of the most important factors is …is the Agency licensed by NYS, are they Joint Commission or CHAP Accredited, How many years has the agency been serving your community? Is the agency an approved Medicaid provider (if applicable)? Do they take your Managed Care Insurance (if applicable)?
When should we consider home health care?
The time to consider home health care for you or a loved one is when help is needed with some or all of the normal activities of daily living, such as hygiene, housekeeping, cooking, shopping or even walking steadily without assistance.

Other indications maybe that more help is needed than the family is able to offer or there is an increase in forgetfulness that may prove dangerous because of medications improperly taken or stove burners being left on.

Isn’t home health care expensive?

Home health care costs differ greatly depending on the individual case, but are usually much lower than the long-term care facility alternative. Often the costs are buffered or completely covered by a third party such as insurance or special government programs designed to assist handicapped, disabled or injured people and their families.
What’s more is that home health care is billed based on usage. That is to say that if you only use one hour of service, you’re only billed for one hour unlike a long term facility which bills around the clock whether care is being given or not.