Frequently asked questions

Q. Does ABC Home Healthcare accept any insurance?
A. ABC Home Healthcare is a private pay company, but because all care is supervised by a professional nurse, many long term care insurances and workers compensation companies prefer to work with us. If you have any questions, one of our office staff and/or nurses will be happy to contact your insurance company for you.

Q. Is the service deductible on our income taxes?
A. In many cases our services are tax deductible. Contact your tax accountant to be sure.

Q. How does ABC Home Healthcare provide quality service to clients? What types of employees does ABC hire?
A. ABC Home Healthcare hires only the best employees to provide care. We rigorously check the backgrounds and references of all potential employees. Our screening process includes: a personal interview, checking a minimum of two references, verification of licenses, certifications, and/or degrees, criminal/background checks in each state the applicant has lived in. In addition, all of our employees are required to provide proof of a Tuberculosis test yearly. Our employees are committed to client satisfaction, and our home care providers are reliable, friendly, and professional. Our professional staff is experienced and dedicated and will work to insure that a good fit is found for both clients and employees. We are committed to client satisfaction, and because we know client needs can change rapidly, we will work with clients as much as needed to provide the type of care and type of caregiver that the client desires and needs.

Q. How quickly can a client receive services from ABC Home Healthcare?
A. We work with clients to provide the care they need as quickly as possible. Our dedicated office staff works with all clients to expedite the process. Our goal is to staff a new client's case within 24 to 48 hours.

Q. Can clients stop the service at any time with no financial penalty?
A. Yes, but we request a 24-hour notice when possible so that staff can be placed in another position. If it is a question of not meeting your needs, we will replace the staff with someone else at no additional cost, or loss of service for you.

Q. What do ABC Home Healthcare services cost?
A. Because our services are tailored to each individual client's needs, the cost per hour is variable, and is based on clients needs. Our prices are competitive and comparable to those of most other home care agencies. We do not quote prices over the phone: we firmly believe that, in order to provide the best care possible, we must visit each of our clients in their own environment in order to accurately assess the services needed and establish accurate pricing.

Q. What is included in the rate billed by ABC Home Healthcare for services?
A. Our rates include the cost of the employee's wages, the federal, state, and local employment taxes, social security taxes, workman's compensation insurance, bonding and professional liability insurance. We pay all taxes for our employees so our clients don't have to deal with anything other than a simple invoice. More importantly is the supervision and ongoing training for our staff that is included with this cost of services.

Q: How do I arrange for services?
A: Call us at ABC Home Healthcare at 781-245-1880 to speak directly with our intake nurse about a free, no-obligation assessment. An in-depth, in-person interview with you and your family will ensure that we can provide the right services for you.

Q. What are ABC Home Healthcare service areas and service hours?
A. ABC Home Healthcare works with clients in all areas of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. We provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Service is determined by each client's individual needs. In the case of an after-hours emergency, our office staff and management are available to clients and employees via our 24-hour on-call service.

Q. Why not hire an Independent Provider instead of ABC Home Healthcare?
A. Independent providers are those nurses, therapists, aides, homemakers and chore workers, and companions privately hired by individuals who require their services. Most caregivers in this situation are not required to be licensed or to meet any home care standards. Responsibility for recruiting, hiring, supervising, and locating back-up caregivers rests with the client. Clients pay the caregiver directly and must comply with all applicable state and federal labor, health, and safety requirements. Clients are also responsible for any liability or worker injury claims.

Q: What does a live-in caregiver do?
A: Our live-in program offers the safety and comfort of knowing that someone is nearby around the clock. The live-in caregivers also know they have immediate access to a nurse at ABC Home Care when your condition changes in any way. They assist you with all your personal care needs. Just as important, though, our caregivers can take care of all those things that are part of your daily life, from running errands and preparing food to replacing lightbulbs and sewing on buttons. The live-in caregiver will be a companion for you as well, who will share the activities that you enjoy, whether cards or reading or watching TV.

Q: Can I afford a live-in caregiver?
A: Live-in care is covered by private pay, or long-term care insurance. Some elderly and disabled people with a limited income may be eligible for home care or supportive services funding. ABC Home Care can work with you to determine how best to cover the costs of long term care.