Common Questions About In-Home Care
Getting Started
How do we get started with in-home care services?
Request a free consultation via our online form, email us at info@caringfriends.com, call 402-207-1050 or fax info to 402-313-1501.
We work with clients and their families to learn more about your needs, then schedule an in-home visit. From there we identify a caregiver and create a schedule.
How do I know if my loved one needs in-home care?
The signs are often found in the little things. For seniors, this might mean skipped meals, laundry piling up, clutter creating a fall risk, or changes in hygiene, clothing, and mobility. A loved one may begin avoiding showers out of fear of slipping, wear the same clothes repeatedly because dressing has become difficult, or struggle to move safely from room to room. Others may simply feel lonely or disconnected and benefit from regular companionship and social engagement.
For children, care may be helpful when they need support with daily living tasks, mobility, personal care, feeding routines, or supervision. Some children need complete assistance, while others benefit from encouragement and help with specific activities.
If you’ve noticed any of these changes in a loved one, it may be time to explore home care. We’re happy to talk through your situation and help you decide if our services are a good fit. Contact us today.
Where is your service area?
Areas We Serve
Caring Friends proudly provides in-home care throughout central and southern Nebraska including: Alma, Aurora, Beatrice, Blue Hill, Blue Springs, Broken Bow, Central City, Cozad, Crete, Curtis, Deshler, Fairbury, Franklin, Friend, Geneva, Gothenburg, Grand Island, Hastings, Hebron, Henderson, Hickman, Holdrege, Lexington, Lincoln, McCook, Milford, Minden, North Platte, Osceola, Red Cloud, Seward, St. Paul, Stromsburg, Superior, Waverly, Wilber, Wymore and York.
Counties We Serve
Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Custer, Dawson, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gage, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Howard, Jefferson, Kearney, Lancaster, Lincoln, Merrick, Nuckolls, Phelps, Polk, Red Willow, Saline, Seward, Thayer, Webster and York
How quickly can services begin?
Start times can vary depending on caregiver availability in your area, but in many cases our local site coordinator is able to get services started within a few days. We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible so we can work on finding the right caregiver for your loved one.
Do you have real client experiences I can read?
Yes! You can read real reviews from our clients and families on our reviews page, or find them sprinkled throughout our website.
What if my loved one is resistant to accepting personal care help
It’s very common for individuals to feel hesitant or uncomfortable accepting help at first, and we understand that completely. Our caregivers are patient and experienced in gently encouraging acceptance of care — never rushing or pushing, but building trust at a pace that feels comfortable. In our experience, the caregiver relationship often becomes something truly cherished over time, and many families tell us they wish they had started services sooner.
Caregivers
What training do your caregivers receive?
Our caregivers complete a combination of in-person and online training before working with clients. In-person training is tailored to each client’s specific needs, while online coursework covers topics relevant to home care best practices.
All caregivers are also trained on Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention and reporting, and are required to maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
Are your caregivers licensed nurses?
Our caregivers are typically not medical professionals, although occasionally some have medical experience. We do have nurses on our team who help with medical recommendations when needed. All clients are seen regularly to evaluate needs and services accordingly.
How are caregivers screened and background checked?
All of our caregivers are screened in accordance with Nebraska Provider Screening Guidelines set by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This process helps ensure that every caregiver who enters your home meets the standards required to provide safe, trustworthy care.
Will I have the same caregiver every visit?
Our goal is to make sure your loved one always feels comfortable and cared for by someone they know.
We do our best to provide consistent caregivers because we know how important familiarity and trust are — especially for seniors and children. We aim for consistent caregivers for each client, while also introducing additional team members so that your loved one is never left with a stranger when a regular caregiver needs time off.
What if we aren't happy with our caregiver?
Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us. Whenever possible, we take individual preferences into account when matching caregivers — including preferences around pets, smoking, and personality fit. If for any reason a caregiver isn’t the right match, our site coordinators will make every effort to find an alternative as quickly as possible. We want every client to feel comfortable and confident in their caregiver.
Can I be a caregiver for a family member?
Absolutely. Candidates who are 19 or older, have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check are eligible for employment.
Cost & Payment
How do clients pay for your services, and are they covered by insurance?
Clients pay privately. We help those who have long-term-care insurance policies determine if our services are covered. Policy coverages vary. We also accept VA Aid, participate in the the GUIDE Medicare Program, and work with Medicaid AD Waiver referrals.
How much does in-home care cost?
The cost of home care varies depending on the type and frequency of services needed. We encourage you to call us directly so we can learn more about your situation and provide accurate pricing. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Do you require a long-term contract?
No. We do not require long-term contracts, and there are no penalties for ending services. We simply ask for two weeks’ notice when terminating services so we can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth transition for your loved one and their caregiver.
How do I find out if I am eligible for VA or Medicaid Aged and Disabled services?
The following sites should answer your questions:
We also discuss more on our VA Resources page.
How are Medicaid AD Waiver Clients referred for service?
Services & Scheduling
What types of services do you provide?
CaringFriends offers a range of care and support including home care, personal care, companion care, and pediatric care. Every care plan is tailored to the individual, with the goal of making daily life easier, fostering independence, and enhancing overall well-being. Visit our services page to learn more.
How many hours a week can a caregiver come?
The number of hours varies widely depending on each client’s needs and situation. We do not have a weekly or monthly minimum, giving families the flexibility to choose a schedule that works best for them. The only requirement is a minimum shift length of two hours per visit.
Can care plans be adjusted as needs change?
Yes. We understand that care needs can change over time — sometimes gradually, sometimes unexpectedly. Whether your loved one needs more support after a hospital stay, a reduction in hours as they regain independence, or a change in the type of care provided, we work with families to adjust care plans as needed. Our goal is to make sure the level of support always fits the person receiving it.
Are you able to provide transportation?
Yes! We can transport clients who are stable and predictable, matching them with a trained caregiver equipped to provide safe and reliable transportation for you or your loved one.
Do you do offer coverage on Weekends? Holidays? 24-hour care?
Yes. This may be limited to certain geographic areas. Please call us for more information.