Frequently Asked
Questions and THEIR Answers

How much does the service cost?
Hands 2 Help, LLC. charges a flat rate of $17 per hour for home health aide, companion and housekeeping services. There is also a medication management service available for $30 per month and a $30 per visit charge for foot care. Skilled nursing services, such as blood draws are also offered at a rate of $60 per visit. Services do not have to be continuous and there is a one hour minimum for aide, companion and housekeeping services. There is NO COST for the initial assessment visit performed by a registered nurse.

To compare, the base rate for nursing home services is approximately $4,000 per month; assisted living costs about $3,000 per month. Assistance from Hands 2 Help LLC caregivers may postpone placement in an alternative living facility, therefore saving a significant amount of money.

Will my insurance company pay for it?
Few health insurance companies reimburse for unskilled private duty services; however, companion and nurse aide services may be covered by Long Term Care insurance. Skilled services such as skilled nursing or therapy services may be reimbursable. Hands 2 Help, LLC will investigate insurance reimbursement.

Will Medicare pay for it?
Hands 2 Help, LLC is a licensed, non-Medicare agency and cannot bill Medicare for services. Whenever a client becomes eligible for Medicare covered services, they will be referred to an appropriate agency such as Cody’s West Park Home Health or Valley Home Care in Powell.
Hands 2 Help, LLC is a Certified Medicaid provider and will bill Medicaid directly for either home health or long term community based waiver services.

It is less expensive to hire a private caregiver, what is included in the Hands 2 Help, LLC price?
Anyone who employs and pays a household employee must meet I. R. S. and other government guidelines. Household employees must be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week. Anyone who pays an employee more than $1,100 per year in cash wages must acquire an employee identification number and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Hands 2 Help LLC pays these taxes. The rate also includes state/federal unemployment and worker’s compensation. The latter provides coverage if the employee is hurt while on company time. Without worker’s compensation, a private caregiver may rely on a client’s homeowner insurance policy to provide medical coverage for injuries received in an accident.
All Hands 2 Help, LLC employees must pass a test to meet specific standards and criteria. They undergo urine drug testing, a central registry background and motor vehicle record check. They receive orientation, supervision and training throughout their employment. In addition, home health aides receive sixteen hours of home health training while companions receive eight hours, as required by the State of Wyoming.

Hands 2 Help, LLC employees are regularly supervised to make sure that they continue to perform within the Hands 2 Help LLC is bonded and insured to protect its clients from acts of dishonesty and/or abuse. Hands 2 Help, LLC maintains a legal record on all clients and employees. One of the many advantages of an agency employee is the availability of a qualified replacement if one is required at short notice. Another is the 24 hour availability of a registered nurse to assist you with your concerns.

What about my doctor?
All clients are required to be under the care of a local physician. If a client requests either nurse aide or companion services, the DIRECT supervision of a physician is NOT required; however, skilled services, such as medication management, must be ordered and directly overseen by a physician. Hands 2 Help, LLC works closely with physicians to support a client’s general health and well-being. A client’s personal physician will receive a letter from the Agency at the start of their service.

What is the difference between a companion and a nurse aide?
A certified nurse aide has completed a training course that includes bookwork, tests and clinical training. He, or she, has successfully completed an examination and been observed correctly performing specific skills. A nurse aide is trained to provide personal care, such as bathing or toileting.
Companions receive eight hours of training provided by the agency and approved by the State Department of Health. A companion IS NOT trained or qualified to provide personal care. According to Department of Health regulations, companions may NOT provide these services.
Both companions and nurse aides need to be supervised by a registered nurse who prepares a written care plan that clearly defines their duties. Neither may perform a duty UNLESS it is pre-authorized by a registered nurse.

Can a companion or nurse aide give medications?
A companion or a nurse aide may ASSIST a client with medications that can be self administered. This includes handing a client previously set up medications or removing the cap from the medication vial.
Neither a nurse aide or a companion may remove a medication from the original container or alter its form in any way, for example, crush a tablet.
Only a skilled nurse working under the direct supervision of a physician may give injections or administer medications. A skilled nurse may set up medication boxes, if needed.

Do I have to be home bound to be eligible for services?
Clients have to be homebound in order to receive the intermittent services reimbursed by Medicare; however, clients receiving help from Hands 2 Help, LLC are not restricted in any way. Hands 2 Help, LLC employees will assist clients in maintaining maximum independence and enjoying the benefits associated with the outdoors.

Can I have caregivers from different sources while receiving services from Hands 2 Help, LLC?
Clients may receive assistance from several sources. Hands 2 Help, LLC may supplement those services provided either by family members, a Medicare Certified Agency, or a privately employed caregiver who may be unavailable for whatever reason, such as illness or vacation.

Do I have to be living at home to receive help?
Hands 2 Help, LLC is licensed to provide services in a client’s primary residence. That may be an assisted or independent living center, a family home or a primary residence of many years.
A free consultation may be performed in the hospital, nursing home or alternate residence.

FOR INFORMATION CALL 587-4601 or 1-888-442-4601