FAQ

SERVICES

I only need you to come for around half an hour in the morning a couple times a week, is that okay?

Yep! I’ll come for as little or as long as you like.

Will you work overnight? 

Generally, no. I’ll stay late into the evening but I won’t stay overnight. 

Do you do foot care?

I’m more than happy to give a basic pedicure that is necessary for proper grooming, but I do not have the tools or expertise to treat corns, calluses, or assess diabetic ulcers etc.

Will you be a live-in caregiver?

No.

My loved one is really resistant to having help but really needs it, what can I do?

Well, there is a balance we need to find between respecting their wishes and giving them the care they need. I’ve been doing this work for over ten years, I’m pretty good at befriending and talking to people, and having them allow me to help them. However, ultimately if they are making their own decisions and they do not want me there, I cannot stay. If they are not making their own decisions but are very resistive to care, I still need to respect their wishes. Consent is very important. But so far I’ve been able to handle most situations with ease. I’m willing to give it a try. 

SCHEDULING & INTAKE

Are you currently accepting clients?

Yes! Fill out the contact form, telling me what specific services you’re looking for and what days of the week and times of the day during which you are hoping to receive help and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I do have contacts of other PSWs in the area, if I can’t help you I’m willing to pass your information along. 

What does your intake process look like?

Usually what happens is a person contacts me by phone or e-mail (I’m much faster at responding to e-mails), I’ll get back to you to schedule an in-person meet and greet. This meeting takes around 45 minutes, and is completely free of charge with zero obligation to commit. I’ll come to wherever care will take place—usually the client’s home – and I’d like to meet with the person who will be receiving care, whoever will be paying for services, if there is a power of attorney for medical decisions and finances then these people as well, and anyone who spends a lot of time caring for the client. We’ll all sit down together to have a chat about the goals of services, I have an intake assessment (chat with the person needing assistance and a health-related questionnaire). There is a contract that needs to be signed. After the intake assessment is complete and the contract is signed, we can schedule services if you wish. The contract is about liability and if I should come, what the terms of payment will be. 

For out-of-town cottagers who are looking for short-term help, I’m willing to do intake over the phone if you cannot be here in person. 

Will you provide care for those living outside of Huntsville?

Sure! I’m happy to drive to wherever your home or cottage is. All I ask is you pay for all the gas and half the time to drive to and from your home if it is outside of Huntsville. 

Will you work on statutory holidays?

Yes, but I charge time and half. It is entirely up to you if you want me to come or not on a stat if that is your regularly scheduled day – I’m happy either way. 

DOLLARS AND CENTS

Do you have an hourly minimum?

I am flexible on this depending on the situation and work needing to be done. Generally, I have a three hour shift minimum. Give me a call and we can chat.

What do you charge per hour?

It is a bit variable and depends on the work being done. Generally, it’s $30/hour plus HST. Contact me by phone or email and we can discuss it.

How often do you bill?

I send out invoices on a bi-weekly basis. Once in a blue moon I get a little too busy and am a few days late, but I try to stick to that schedule as much as possible. 

Do you take credit cards?

I accept cash, cheques, and e-transfers only. Billing information is on each invoice. 

OTHER

Do you have insurance?

Sure do. I have all the appropriate insurances necessary to have a proper, legal business in my field of work. I can provide a proof of insurance upon request.

Do you have references?

That I do. I can provide contact information for references upon request.

Do you have a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check?

I can acquire one if desired, at your cost, if I do not have one as current as you would prefer. I’m more than happy to have it completed for you.