Before you consider using a Personal Assistance Service company, there are some questions you should ask:

1. First and foremost, is the company licensed through the State? Are the staff bonded & insured? Both of these are for the clients protection.
   
   All Caring Senior Service offices are licensed, bonded and insured
   
   
2. Find out about the services that are provided, and if there are different charge rates for different types of services. Frequently a low initial price rate will be quoted, and then additional charges added at a later date. For example: A price for companionship care will be quoted, then additional charges for attendant services, or bathing the client, or even doing the dishes will be levied.
   
   Caring Senior Service charges one flat rate, so you know the price ahead of time
   
   
3. Are the rates different for nights, holidays, and weekends?
   
   Frequently, there are additional charges for weekends or holidays (as much as 50% more!). Again, Caring Senior Service charges one flat rate, regardless of whether it is a holiday, weekend or just during the week. That rate also does not go up when someone requires extensive personal care such as bathing, dressing or help getting in and out of the bed.
   
   
4. Is there a sign up fee?
   
   Frequently charged by others, but there is no sign up fee with Caring Senior Service!
   
   
5. Is there a deposit?
   
   Again, frequently charged by other companies, but at Caring Senior Service we rarely charge a deposit.
   
   
6. Is there a contract involved and if so for how long?
   
   We have a four hour minimum , and that's it
   
   
7. How long before they can start services?
   
   Caring Senior Service makes the promise that we can be on site within an hour.
   
   
8. Does the company accept Medicare or payment from insurance companies?
   
   Caring Senior Service is more than happy to work with clients who are reliant on payment from an insurance policy. Medicare does not cover our types of services.
   
   
9. If the provider doesn't show up will someone else come?
   
   We always have backup, so there should never be a gap in care.
   
   
10. Are they available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? (Some companies won't answer their pagers over the weekend).
    
    We are on Call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. You can always reach a manager.
    
    

These are just a few areas that should be touched on when you are inquiring about Personal Assistant Services. Use it as a guide when comparing alternatives.