Why should I choose Elders' Helpers?

Elders' Helpers is a family-owned and -operated home health-care agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We first opened our doors in 2000 and have become one of the area's largest and best-regarded home health-care agencies. Our main focus is always on the client, and we develop a client-centered care plan to provide each client with the highest quality of care.

What are your rates?

Some agencies charge different rates for weekend or nightly hours.

Our rates are simple: $16.00 an hour for a visit of 3 hours or longer. For a shorter shift, we charge just $18.00 an hour. Nurse visits are $36.00 an hour. Discounted rates are available for cases that have twelve consecutive hours or more. For all major holidays we charge time and a half.

Do I have to sign a contract?

We do have you sign a company pay agreement, which outlines our rates and your responsibility with regard to payment. This form is fully explained during our home assessment. Elders' Helpers provides monthly billing statements and will only bill you for services rendered.

How do you schedule service hours?

During our home assessment the Client Advocate will discuss scheduling needs. After your initial meeting you will be assigned a Client Coordinator who will work directly with the family and client to coordinate caregiver(s) and schedule hours. You set the scheduled times and days of visits—whatever works best for you.

What are your privacy practices?

Elders' Helpers follows strict Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines, much like your doctor's office. Administrative staff and caregivers will never disclose any information about clients to any unauthorized persons. This is explained in more detail during the home assessment.

What if I don't like my caregiver?

While staffing a case, we always try to schedule caregivers with clients that we feel will work well together. However, this may not always be the case. If you ever have an issue with your caregiver just give us a call at 616.454.8305 and ask for your Client Coordinator. With over 200 caregivers, Elders' Helpers can offer unique and wonderful personality traits and many skill levels. Let us find the right match for you!

Does Elders' Helpers accept Medicare/Medicaid, Insurance, or VA Clients?

Medicare:

Elders' Helpers is not a Medicare certified agency; therefore, Elders' Helpers cannot accept Medicare.

Medicaid:

Elders' Helpers can only accept Medicaid Waiver Program clients. Elders' Helpers has been a subcontractor for the Medicaid Waiver Program with the State of Michigan, since 2000.

Elders' Helpers works with the following MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Programs:

• Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan
• HHS, Health Options
• Senior Resources and Area Agency on Aging
• West Michigan Long Term Care Connections
• Care Resources of West Michigan (PACE program)

Insurance for Long-term care

Yes, Elders' Helpers does work with private insurance companies; however, acceptance depends on the specific insurance company's requirements. Double check with your agent to make sure.

VA Clients

Yes, Elders' Helpers accepts referrals for VA clients that require personal care, homemaking or chores services. If your VA case manager is looking for an agency to provide service, let her or him know you are interested in working with Elders' Helpers.