Frequently Asked Questions

Right at Home Marin’s greatest priority is the health and well-being of our clients and caregivers. As a society, we are facing unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19). As a leading provider of home care services, we recognize our team serves a vulnerable population, and we take that privilege very seriously. Potential exposure will remain lowest for those who can stay in their homes, wherever they may call home, with limited outside contact. It is our desire to work with you and your family to maintain this option for your loved one.

As part of our standard operating procedures, Right at Home Marin’s caregivers are trained on ways to reduce the risk of illness. We all have the responsibility to remain vigilant about good handwashing. This cannot be overstated. Right at Home Marin continues to actively monitor the recommendations and guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and our state and local departments of health. COVID-19 is creating many “never before” moments that we are all working through together. If you should have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to our office at any time.

Understanding all of the options for in-home care and how to pay for it can be confusing, especially at a time of stress and concern for a loved one. Right at Home is here to help. We’ve cared for thousands of families just like yours. There are a variety of ways to pay for in-home care. Right at Home offers a free download of our Ways to Pay for In-Home Senior Care Guide that gives information about the programs that can help pay for the service.

Our goal is to establish a long-term caregiving relationship with your loved one. Should your family want to request another caregiver for any reason, we'll search for a match until your family is happy. We understand that a strong rapport and trust with a caregiver are vital to a successful in-home care experience.

If your loved one receives care for many hours in a day or at different times of the day throughout the week, it may be necessary to schedule more than one caregiver in a given week. If your family requires multiple caregivers, our goal is the same: We want you to be satisfied and happy. We'll do what it takes to make sure we achieve that goal.

Right at Home uses several tools to track the care our caregivers provide. First, we use simple time sheets filled out by each caregiver. Then, we use a combination of internet-based solutions to verify time and attendance. This allows you to have a written record of care services provided in the home. We can also provide written verification at any time.

Also, our itemized invoices are always sent after services are complete. This lets you ask any questions about time or date of care, and it allows us to make any schedule adjustments before your next invoice is sent.

No. You don't need pre-authorization, pre-qualification, certification or even a prescription for Right at Home's services. You choose the services you want, when to start those services and how often those services are used.

If you request assistance with billing a private insurance policy (such as long-term care insurance) for our services, we would be happy to help with the entire "benefits coordination" process. This includes providing any documentation you may need for reimbursement by an insurance carrier.

The cost of in-home care depends on the number of care hours and frequency of visits, as well as the types of services needed. This information is gathered during the in-home care assessment and used to create a custom care plan that is focused on your unique needs.

Our home care services are typically billed on an hourly basis. Right at Home offers a free download of our Ways To Pay for In-Home Senior Care Guide that gives information about the median monthly cost of care in the U.S., as well as programs that can help pay for the service.

To discuss the exact rates for the services you may need, contact our local office.

Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for ongoing assistance with the activities of daily living (called “custodial care” in the exclusions of Medicare plans). Medicare Advantage (also called “Part C”) may cover some services in the home (referred to as “in-home support”). To understand the benefits of Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

Long-term care insurance (depending on the policy and the plan of care) may assist in paying for a variety of home-based and facility care services.

Did you know there are several funding options available to help pay for in-home care? Right at Home offers a free download of our Ways To Pay for In-Home Senior Care Guide that gives information on these programs.

You never have to pay caregivers directly. Whether you are in the planning stages or need immediate care, you don’t want to spend your time managing the financial and legal obligations of employing a caregiver. With Right at Home, you don’t have to. Because our caregivers are employed by our independently owned and operated office, you don’t have to worry about federal, state or Social Security taxes. Caregivers are bonded/insured and properly screened, including criminal and background checks. You (or an authorized representative) are only invoiced after the completion of services. Usually, this happens weekly. And, you'll never be asked to pay an additional fee to any employee.

We adhere to all applicable federal and state guidelines related to privacy of personal and health care information. This starts once we have a formal service agreement, before a caregiver even comes to your family member's home. The written service agreement stipulates the exact restrictions on the use of your information, which clarifies that unauthorized individuals will not be given access to information without a client's or their legally authorized representative's formal consent.

Your information is never sold to a third party under any circumstances. In fact, only the office personnel and caregivers who are directly involved in your service will have access to information related to the care of your loved one.

Give us a call. We'll arrange a time to visit you, your family and/or any authorized representative to fully discuss your particular home care situation and how Right at Home might help.

Together, we'll go over the care your family needs and the care we provide. We'll answer all of your questions regarding in-home care services and costs. Then, we'll begin putting together your custom care plan and matching your loved one with the right caregiver. Usually, care can begin within a matter of a few days.