Types of Care

Home Care Services

M&Y Home Care services provide specialized non-medical assistance to seniors and disabled loved ones.

Home Health Care

M&Y Home Health Care services deliver physician directed medical care and assistance at home by a licensed or certified care professional.

Mental Helath Services

Community Living Support (CLS) services and/or Respite Care services for individuals living with developmental disabilities, adults with mental illness and/or children with serious emotional disturbance.

Frequently Asked Questions on Home Care Services

Q: What are the duties of a home health provider?

The duties of a home health provider generally include providing care to the patient in their home, which may include monitoring vital signs, providing medication and treatment, checking on the patient’s condition and progress, and reporting back to the doctor.

Home health providers may also be responsible for educating patients and their families about how to best care for the patient at home. Many times, the home health provider is also the caregiver for the patient, and will provide personal care as needed.

Q: What are the education requirements for a Home Care Aide?

There is no degree required to become a Home Health Aide (HHA). Some employers may prefer HHA’s with CPR training , and in some states, training is required . An example of this would be in Washington State, where an HHA needs 10 hours of home care aide training before they can provide care independently. Aspiring HHAs should check state regulations to determine if there are any special requirements related to the position they’re seeking. Plus, many employers will require that their HHAs have reliable transportation .

Q: What are carers not allowed to do?

The most common thing that carers are not allowed to do is provide medical care. That is the job of a home health provider or nurse. Other things that carers are typically not allowed to do include providing transportation, cooking meals, and doing laundry.

Most home care agencies have a list of services that their employees are allowed to provide and will not allow employees to provide services that are not on the list. It’s important for families to review this list before hiring a caregiver so they know what services they can expect the caregiver to provide.

Q: What training is required to be a carer?

In addition to caring for the elderly, home health providers can provide support and help with daily activities for those who have been recently injured or are recovering from illness or surgery.

Those who wish to become a certified nursing assistant must complete a state-approved education program .

Some employers may even prefer their aides have CPR certification, first aid training and experience working in a healthcare environment so they can better understand how to meet the needs of their patients . Unlike CNAs, LPNs generally require several years of on-the-job training .

They should already be familiar with medical terminology and the workings of different types of medication before entering an LPN program. An RN is trained for a year in a hospital, and some choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics and psychiatric nursing.

Q: Working hours and pay rates for home care aides

Families looking for a home health aide should check with their state unemployment office or the department of labor to find out what is legal in terms of working hours . The average work week is about 40 hours , but many people choose part-time jobs between 20 and 30 hours per week so they can attend school or do other things on their time off.

Home health aides are not required by law to be paid overtime but most employers offer it after 40 hours have been worked . Some states require that workers get at least one day off each week .

Hourly pay rates usually range from $7.25 to $15, but increases are common for aides who have experience working with the elderly .

Some states require only one hour of paid rest break every four hours worked. There is no federal law that requires meal breaks during a workday, however if an aide works six or more consecutive hours , he/she must be given a 30 minute unpaid meal break in order to prevent any accidents that could occur if somebody doesn’t eat or drink anything for six straight hours.

Q: What experience do I need?

If you don’t have any previous caregiving experience but would still like to get involved in this type of work, there are many ways you can learn the skills you’ll need to become an excellent home healthcare provider.

Employers will want to know about your current situation so you should start by telling them whether or not you’re currently working, what hours you’re available to work and where you live . They’ll also ask for information about your education level, experience with the elderly , past employment references and any necessary certifications like CPR or first aid training .

Q: What are the benefits of becoming a home care aide?

There are many reasons why people decide to become home health aides. Many HHAs find great satisfaction in the opportunity to offer their assistance to those who need it most.

Many choose this profession because they want to make more of an impact than they would be able (or allowed) to do as an employee at a large company.

This type of work is also a great choice if you’re looking for more flexible hours and want to spend more time with your family . It could also be an excellent job for college students who are currently working part-time while studying.

Q: What benefits can you claim if you are a carer?

There are a few benefits you can claim as a carer. These benefits can include home care, home health care, and even respite care.

If you are providing unpaid care for someone in your own home, you may be able to get help with things like cleaning, laundry, and shopping. You may also be able to get help with tasks like cooking or yard work. Some provinces have programs that offer cash payments to caregivers, too.

Home health care is also a possibility if the person you’re caring for is no longer able to live independently. This could include help with things like dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, and getting around. Respite care is another option if you need a break from caring for someone every now and then. It could include help with cooking, cleaning, taking someone out for a few hours, or to the doctor’s office.

Q: What are the best questions to ask carers?

If you’re considering using home health care, it is important to do your research ahead of time so you know what types of services are available in your area.

Here are some questions that might be helpful when talking to potential caregivers:

  • What kind of training have they had?
  • Who will be working for me?
  • How many other clients will they be caring for?
  • Can I meet these people beforehand?
  • What fees will I need to pay up front (e.g., registration fee)?
  • Do you offer any other services?
Q: What can I do if I'm unhappy with my carer?

If you’re not satisfied with the service that your caregiver is providing, there are a few things you can try. First, sit down and talk to your caregiver about your concerns .

If talking it out doesn’t fix the problem , or if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with them in person, give them a call and explain how their performance has been affecting you.

Keep in mind that they may need some time to resolve these issues since many home health aides also provide live-in care. Just be sure to stay calm throughout the whole process so nothing gets blown out of proportion.

The most important thing is to remain patient while your caregiver is figuring out the problem. If the issues persist, tell your caregiver to contact their agency or employer about it so you can both work together to find a solution .

Q: How much will I be paid?

There are many factors that determine how much you’ll be paid in your home health care role. These include things like the amount of time someone needs help with tasks like bathing and dressing, whether or not they require any personal assistance (e.g., toileting accidents), if they need help getting to appointments, etc.

The average hourly wage for home health care workers is between $12/hour and $20/hour . This number varies depending on where you live , what tasks you perform, if you offer live-in care , and whether or not you provide personal assistance.

Q: What does home health care work entail?

Home health care can vary depending on the client and what they need help with, but there are a few core tasks that home health aides perform:

Help with cooking and housework

Bathing

Dressing

Getting to appointments (e.g., doctor’s visit)

Grooming (e.g., showering, shaving, etc.)

Transportation (e.g., shopping for groceries)

Personal hygiene, such as toileting and grooming One of the most important things to remember is that if you’re hiring a caregiver who doesn’t with you, they shouldn’t be in your home.

Home health care can be a life-changing service that allows people to age with dignity at home, but only if they’re paired with the right caregiver.

Q: Are there any government grants for caregivers?

Currently, there are no federal or provincial grants available for individuals who provide home health care. However, there are various programs you may qualify for if the person you’re caring for has financial needs . This could include things like low-income benefits, subsidized housing , etc.

To find out if your loved one is eligible for any applicable benefits, check out this article or contact your local social worker .

Q: Can I become a caregiver with no experience?

Typically, home health care aides have some sort of relevant training or certification, such as first aid and CPR , an ECE course , personal support worker (PSW) training , etc.

However, if you’re interested in becoming a caregiver and don’t yet have any formal certifications there are still options open to you. Most agencies will hire on-the-job trainers who can help guide new employees through their jobs .

Since this is essentially on-the-job training it’s important to find an agency that offers good working conditions so you’ll be comfortable learning the ropes!

Q: What questions should I ask potential caregivers?

There are several things you might want to think about when talking with your potential caregiver. These include things like how long they’ve been in the industry , whether or not they have any certification , what their current schedule looks like , etc.

When you’re interviewing potential caregivers, be sure to ask them some of the following questions: Do you have any experience with this type of work? How long have you been doing home health care? What’s your availability ? What sort of schedule can I expect ? Can you provide me with references?

Asking these sorts of questions will help reveal if the person has faced any challenges that might affect your relationship or if there are any red flags that put both you and your loved one at risk.

If everything seems good on paper but something doesn’t feel right in person, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away from a relationship that doesn’t feel right.

Q: Is it hard working in a nursing home?

It can be hard, but it also depends on the home you’re working in. In general, I think the main challenge is that it can be emotionally draining. You deal with a lot of sadness and sometimes anger from the people you’re caring for, and also their families. But there are also rewarding moments, when someone you’ve been caring for makes a breakthrough or simply seems to enjoy your company.

I think one of the best things about this line of work is that you get to know your patients really well. You see them through all sorts of highs and lows, and form close relationships with many of them. It’s a unique privilege to be a part of someone’s life in this way.

The most rewarding part for me is when I see my patients and their families having fun together . It’s a small example of how we’re helping them live with the best quality of life possible.

Q: What do you like about being a caregiver?

I love that I get to be part of people’s lives in such an intimate way. Being able to provide care, comfort and support at such difficult times makes it all worth it. 

Also, something as simple as knowing my patients depend on me can be really gratifying – especially during those moments when they need almost everything done for them, whether it’s feeding or bathing or just taking some time out of their day to feel human again.

Q: What is the worst thing about being a caregiver?

There are certainly tough moments – for example, when you feel like you’re not making any progress with someone and they just keep getting worse.

Even worse is when that person’s family doesn’t understand what we’re doing and give up instead of trying to take an active role in their care .

Sometimes it might seem like nothing we can do will ever be enough or make a difference, but those times pass and things always even out over time. The key thing is looking at the big picture , working as hard as possible and learning from your mistakes along the way.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a caregiver?

It really depends on why they want to become one if it’s because they think the job will be easy or if they really want to make a difference in people’s lives. If it’s the latter, then I think it’s certainly worthwhile and you’ll learn so much about yourself in the process.

It can also be rewarding financially  and you’re not limited to working at just one place – there are plenty of agencies with different cultures and work environments that offer variety .

Q: How long are care home shifts?

Most people work 8 hours per day, five days a week. But there are variations depending on your state and the type of care home you work in. For example, in California, direct-care workers are limited to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. That said, most people do their best to work as many hours as they can so they can make more money.

Caregivers often work long hours, sometimes 12 or more hours a day. This is because there is a high demand for caregivers and not enough people to meet the needs of the growing elderly population. And many caregivers are willing to put in the extra time even though it means working long days and sacrificing their own personal time.

As for how many hours per week, working as a caregiver can be both physically and emotionally draining so it’s best to not work more than 40 hours.

Q: What is it like to give care in a nursing home?

Do you get attached to the patients? And what are some of the most rewarding experiences that stand out for you during your time providing care?

It’s really hard sometimes. You see people at their lowest points and they’re often very depressed or angry with their situation. But it can also be really rewarding when you’re able to help them through rough patches.

I think one of the biggest rewards was when I worked at a hospice caring for dying patients – helping them spend their final days with dignity definitely made me feel good.

Q: Can the nursing home take your pension?

It depends on the specific situation and on the type of pension plan. Generally, pensions are considered personal property and cannot be seized by a nursing home or any other institution without the consent of the individual who is receiving the pension payments.

However, there may be exceptions in cases where a nursing home can demonstrate that it is necessary to take possession of a pension in order to provide for the care and support of the individual who is receiving benefits from the pension plan. In such cases, courts will typically order that a portion of the payments from the pension plan be set aside to cover the costs of care.

The nursing home cannot seize your Social Security or disability benefits.

Q: Can you waive your right to sue?

By signing a contract with a nursing home, you can agree to forego the option of suing in favor of resolving disputes through arbitration . But this is not typically done until after all other steps have been taken.

Most people will file a lawsuit against the facility if it denied them adequate care, even if they had previously entered into an agreement that waived their right to sue.

Arbitration is more common in employment contracts rather than health care agreements, but it may also be used when someone has suffered some kind of harm at the hands of another person or company and wants to avoid litigation. It’s important for anyone considering arbitration to understand what it is and how it works.

Q: Which is more expensive assisted living or nursing home?

It really depends on the individual situation. In some cases, nursing homes may be more expensive because they provide a higher level of care.

However, in other cases, assisted living may be more expensive because it includes additional features or services that are not included in nursing homes. For example, assisted living may include meals and transportation, while nursing homes do not always include these services.

In general, home health care is less expensive than either assisted living or nursing homes. This is because home health care is customized to meet the specific needs of each individual patient, whereas both assisted living and nursing homes provide a more standardized level of care. Home health care also tends to be less expensive than traditional hospital stays.

There are many factors that can affect the cost of care and these should be taken into account before making a decision.

The best thing to do is to check with your insurance company, as it knows what’s available in your area and which facilities are covered.

Q: Does Medicare pay for assisted living?

It depends on the type of care you need and where you live. For example, Medicare may cover some home health care services if you’re receiving them from a Medicare-approved home health provider. But it doesn’t cover assisted living facilities. You can find out more about what’s covered by Medicare on the official website or by talking to a Medicare representative.

There are also other programs that may help pay for assisted living, like Medicaid and veterans’ benefits. You can find out more about these programs and how to apply on the official website or by talking to someone at your local department of social services.

Q: What is the cost for a nursing home?

The costs associated with a nursing home will vary depending on factors like location, level of care and amenities. For example, assisted living facilities in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those in suburban or rural areas because these facilities are located close to businesses and transportation options. Some states may also require that certain facilities (especially larger ones) offer additional services and amenities that increase the total bill.

Typically, an assisted living facility or nursing home will charge a flat rate per day, regardless of how much work it takes for caregivers to take care of you. However, some facilities adjust their rates based on your condition, so you might have to pay more if your needs require additional assistance from employees during the day.

Q: Is this the same as an adult or senior care home?

No, it’s not the same thing. An adult or senior care home is like an assisted living facility that doesn’t require nursing care services. Also, some nursing homes may provide assistance for other types of conditions (like Alzheimer’s disease) in addition to those associated with old age.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a CNA?

The costs associated with hiring CNAs vary depending on factors like education level and experience. Most health facilities will hire CNAs who have completed training courses (like the one offered by the Red Cross) but pay more to CNAs who are experienced in certain areas, like operating medical equipment administering medication.

The best way to find out how much you can expect to pay is by talking with health facilities in your area and asking about their hiring requirements.

Q: What are the costs for a part-time caregiver?

The costs associated with a part-time caregiver will vary depending on factors like experience and availability. In most cases, part-time caregivers tend to charge more per hour than full-time caregivers because they typically only work certain days of the week. Depending on the arrangements, it’s also possible that you may have to pay extra if you need assistance during weekends or holidays.

You can find out more information by talking with local agencies and asking them about their rates and policies. You should also check your insurance policy, as some providers may offer coverage for part-time caregivers if they’re needed to provide care while you’re recuperating at home.

Q: Is there a certain wage I should be paying my caregiver?

There isn’t any set wage that you should be paying your caregiver. The cost associated with hiring one will vary depending on factors like experience and availability.

In general, most caregivers charge more per hour than administrative assistants because they typically need to have some skills and training in order to take care of individuals who might be sick or elderly. That said, your budget may play a role in the type of caregiver you get (e.g., an agency would probably assign a more experienced nurse).

To find out how much employees in this field typically make, you should check industry reports and talk with agencies that provide caregivers to senior citizens.

Q: How do you put someone in a nursing home against their will?

There are a few ways to do this. The most common way is to get a care order from the local court. This can be done if the person is considered to be incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions about their health care. A guardian or proxy can also make this decision on behalf of the person if they are unable to do so themselves.

Another way is to have the person involuntarily committed to a nursing home. This can be done if the person is considered to be a danger to themselves or others. The nursing home can then hold them for up to 72 hours while they undergo a psychiatric evaluation. If it’s determined that they need treatment, they may be committed for an extended period of time.