Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home Care?

Home care is generally defined as non-medical support services (Caregivers) that allow seniors to remain in their residence longer. This includes meal preparation, bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, transportation, doctor’s visits and more (Click Here for complete list of services)

Caregivers also play an important role at hospitals and long and short term care facilities, filling in with personal care and companionship where the facility leaves off.

Is it more expensive to use a licensed Agency than to hire a Caregiver myself?

Yes. But while there are outstanding examples of independent Caregivers, there are many reasons to use a licensed agency:

• Careful Hiring Practices: Experienced home care agencies hire carefully screened, trustworthy professionals and provide training and active management
• Seamless Transitions: If your caregiver is ill or unable to come for any reason, another caregiver is seamlessly provided and briefed
• Taxes: All Federal and State payroll taxes will be deducted from the Caregivers pay and the agency will make the matching employee contribution. All quarterly and year end reports are filed with the appropriate taxing authorities ***
• U.S. I-9 Form: The caregiver will be required to present the necessary identification documents to satisfy the I-9 requirements and be legally hired in the U.S.
• Insurance: Fidelity bond insurance and professional liability insurance will be provided
• Language: The caregiver will be required to communicate well in English and if requested, a foreign language to accommodate the client’s needs
• Care Plan: A detailed plan of care is created to outline daily routines and tasks for the Caregiver
• Timesheets: The caregiver will have a system to follow to ensure they start the assignment on time and leave on time

***SPECIAL NOTE: Hiring caregivers as “independent contractors” and ignoring payroll and other taxes can lead to serious and costly repercussions if the individual files for unemployment or makes any claim against you.

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Are there any other advantages to using a licensed Agency?

In addition to the agency services mentioned in the previous answer, accountability and supervision are key advantages to using a licensed agency.

An agency acts as a “buffer” between the client and caregiver; we handle any unpleasant chore or problem without disrupting the care of the client.

A licensed agency also has the following responsibilities:

• Schedules caregivers according to the wishes of the client
• Keeps close track of hours worked
• Is accountable for the services provided, not just to the client but also to the state regulatory department
• Supervises caregivers in their job duties
• Provides on the job training when needed
• Monitors the continuing education credits and courses employees are required to complete annually

Can I change or discontinue service or ask for a different Caregiver?

Yes. You can cancel or discontinue service anytime before a scheduled shift begins. We require no contract and services may be changed or terminated with no additional charge incurred. As the client’s needs change we will gladly accommodate those changes.

An agency supervisor is available 24/7 for emergencies or changes in schedules.

Can I hire your services even though I don’t live in or around Houston?

Yes. Many of our clients have aging parents or loved ones here and are not able to be with them regularly. We can take loving responsibility their care, as much or as little as necessary and provide you regular updates.  Let us act as an extra set of eyes and ears when you can’t be here.

What about security?

Many of our employees have worked with INS for years. In the unlikely event that a client suspects misconduct by an INS employee, we will initiate a thorough investigation. Those suspected of a violation of our high standards of operation or ethics will be disciplined or terminated and another caregiver will be assigned immediately.

INS will happily provide references upon request.