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Frequently Asked Questions

Clients, families, executors, and advisors seek answers to many questions. Encore Caregivers welcomes your questions and will provide logical and fact-based answers. This allows you to make the PROPER DECISION for your situation.

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions. We are always available to answer your questions! You may reach us at: 713-686-2233 Or email us at: care@encorecaregivers.com

Quickly Find your Answers by clicking the question below!

Answer:

Yes. However, the tangible and intangible benefits of engaging a Licensed Agency justify any additional costs. If you hire caregivers yourself, you are the employer and as such you are responsible for not only the wages but also for:

We have encountered cases where families or executors hired their own caregivers and chose to consider the employee an “independent contractor”; thereby ignoring payroll taxes or work-related accident insurance. Typically, this becomes a serious issue when the employee is terminated and subsequently files an unemployment claim. This sets in motion a State and Federal payroll tax audit resulting in a claim against the employer, the family in this case, whereby the family is required to pay both accrued employee and employer payroll taxes from the date of hire, plus accrued employee and employer payroll taxes for all other employees, plus penalties and interest.

The same problem results if the family chooses to ignore Worker’s Compensation Insurance or accident related insurance. Homeowner’s insurance policies specifically exclude work related accidents. Thousands of dollars can result from an employee being injured on the job (e.g., a back injury resulting from transferring the client), filing a claim with the State, suing the family (employer), and successfully collecting medical, pain and suffering, legal fees, plus the legal expenses to defend the litigation action.

Encore Caregivers, a Licensed Agency, is the employer for its caregivers and is responsible for all expenses and costs associated with State and Federal employment laws, work related injuries, and all other employer obligations.

Answer:

The State of Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has the authority and obligation to ensure that any person or entity engaging in the business of providing home health, hospice or personal assistance services (PAS) is licensed. Encore Caregivers (License No. 012553) meets or exceeds all required standards and regulations as a Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA). Unlicensed providers often refer to themselves as staffing, sitter, or companion agencies. Licensure is required if an entity provides a person to render any type of “hands-on” care (e.g., touching the client, transferring, bathing, assisting with medications, etc.). Businesses that only provide workers to prepare meals, perform housekeeping, or other household tasks not involving personal care may operate without a HCSSA license.

Bottom line: Licensed Agencies are surveyed frequently by Texas DADS for compliance with the regulations and standards. There is no advantage, including any cost differential, to engage an unlicensed provider to deliver home health, hospice or personal assistance services.

Answer:

Yes. Services can be canceled prior to commencement of the shift, without penalty or charges. Our phones are answered around-the-clock by an Encore staff member. As a Licensed Home and Community Support Service Agency, our Clients must sign the “Individual Service Plan and Consent Form” which details the type, frequency, rates, and other delivery practices for the services you request. We understand that events and circumstances may result in disrupted schedules or require fewer or additional hours. We ask only that you provide as much advance notice as possible to minimize the impact on our Caregivers.

Answer:

Yes. You may notify our office that you wish for your Caregiver to drive you in your car to your appointments. This is documented by signing the appropriate permission form. If you do not own a car, then Encore’s Caregiver can drive you in their personal car. You will be billed for mileage incurred to and from your residence at the rate of $.50/mile (subject to change). All of the mileage charges billed to the Client are passed on to the Caregiver. Read More About Our Services

Answer:

No problem. In fact, we provide Caregivers for patients in hospitals and other facilities all the time. Your regular Caregiver will most likely maintain the regular schedule. In the event additional shifts are requested or a substitute is necessary, Encore will make the appropriate arrangements. Our goal is to get you well and back to your familiar home environment.

You probably have many more questions.
We are available to answer them.

Simply call: 713-686-2233 Or email us at: care@encorecaregivers.com

Or stop in for a hot cup of coffee or a cold drink:

Encore Caregivers, LLC
7951 Katy Freeway Suite K
Houston, TX 77024
(south side I-10, between Antoine and Chimney Rock)

Office Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM – Weekdays