Frequently Asked Questions

Q: In what areas are your services available?

We provide in-home care and Alzheimer’s care throughout San Diego County including Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, La Jolla, La Mesa, Oceanside, Point Loma, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Marcos, and Solana Beach. Please visit our Communities Served page to learn more.

Q: How do I know if my loved one needs in-home care?

Knowing when to seek care for a loved one can be a challenge for many families. Most people reach out to us for safety supervision related to dementia or for help with older loved ones who are at risk of falling in the home. Some common warning signs to watch for include changes in the senior’s mood, hygiene or memory, confusion leading to regular tasks being abandoned, a history of falls, etc. If you are wondering whether your loved one could benefit from in-home care services, we would be happy to talk with you about his or her situation. We strive to be a community resource and provide valuable information even when our services are determined not to be needed. Give us a call at (619) 487-9000.

Q: What kind of services do you provide?

We provide non-medical home care services for people with disabilities, age-related limitations, in hospice care or those who are recovering from an illness or injury. Although most of our clients are elderly, we also provide in-home assistance to families with children.

Q: How quickly can I arrange for service?

We are happy to help families facilitate a fast turnaround for care in the event of an emergency; however, in order to get the best fit for a client, we prefer 24-48 hours of notice.

Q: How much does the service cost?

Pricing is $41/hour for shifts up to 12 hours and for 12-hour shifts, it is $36/hour. Overtime is charged after 9 hours. However, prices can vary based on care need and frequency of care. In order to get a better idea of how much home care services will cost for your loved one, we recommend scheduling our complimentary in-home assessment.

Q: Do you require a minimum of hours and days a week in order to provide care?

We have a 4-hour minimum per shift. This is to ensure our ability to deliver consistent care for our clients.

Q: What are my payment options for home care services?

We accept personal checks, electronic checks, and credit card payments for services. For more information on how to pay for San Diego home care services, please visit our Payment Options page.

Q: Are your San Diego home care services covered through Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance?

We are a preferred provider for most long-term care insurance companies, but Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance do not typically pay for non-medical in-home care. Medicare may pay for short-term caregivers if you also need medical care to recover from surgery, an illness, or an injury. Please check with your insurance company if they cover non-medical or private duty care.

Q: Is your agency licensed?

Yes. We are licensed by the Home Care Services Bureau, a division of the California Department of Social Services. Our HCO# is 374700105.

Q: Are your caregivers insured and bonded?

Yes, all our caregivers are employed by our agency and insured and bonded as required by the Home Care Services Bureau. We have general and professional liability insurance in place. We also have a non-owned auto policy in place that acts as an umbrella of coverage beyond what a client’s or caregiver’s vehicle carries.

Q: How are your caregivers screened?

The Caregiver Background Check Bureau conducts all of the background checks for Home Care Aide applicants in California. It’s a very thorough check performed by the Department of Justice and the FBI. Any infraction higher than a traffic ticket must go through an exemption process for further review. We also do drug screens, which are not required in California. Finally, we conduct a thorough reference check on each caregiver candidate and ensure that any certifications he or she holds are current.

Q: What kind of training do your caregivers receive?

We have a customized online training program with subsequent testing that is a Home Care Services Bureau-approved system. We also offer as needed “spot” training by qualified personnel for those that may need training with things like Hoyer lifts, slide boards and other areas unique to your San Diego home care needs.

Q: What makes San Diego Home Caregivers different from other in-home care companies?

We pay more and charge less. By paying our caregivers more and having open lines of communication, we enjoy a lower staff turnover rate, which means our clients receive consistent care from caregivers they know and love.

Q: What are the advantages of home care for San Diego senior care?

Staffing a private caregiver for a loved one can be very overwhelming for families, and care can often be inconsistent. Life happens – cars break down and people get sick. Our healthy pool of registered caregivers offers families and clients peace of mind. Additionally, working with a Carlsbad home care agency like San Diego Home Caregivers removes the risk of worker’s comp, unemployment and wage & hour claims.

Q: Who can receive in-home care?

Anyone who needs help with activities of daily living or safety supervision can receive in-home care.

Q: Will I be able to reach someone at your agency after hours and how should I do so?

Yes. When you call our office line, you will always reach a live person. If you call after hours, we have a service that will redirect your message to an on-call manager.

Q: Are your services available in nursing homes or assisted living facilities?

Yes. We have many clients who need extra care in these settings. Our registered caregivers are available to provide care at these communities.

Q: What if my caregiver is sick and cannot make it to my house?

In the event that your caregiver is sick or otherwise unavailable, we try our best to be prepared for emergencies with a healthy pool of registered caregivers that we can access for emergency coverage.