Frequently Asked Questions

“Will my family member always receive care from the same caregiver?”
We understand the importance of continuity of care on many levels.  It is important to you, as a patient, to the family, to the hospice team and to the physician.  Simply put, everyone is happier, when there are no changes in care providers.  However, considering that our business is health care, there are emergencies that occur.  There are evenings, weekends and holidays, when patients may need care and our staff must rotate responsibility for those after hours calls.  There are occasions when staff may be absent because of illness, vacation or other personal reasons.  So it would not be appropriate to say there will never be any change in your hospice team, but we can honestly assure you that we make every effort to avoid those changes.  If at any time there is a particular concern or dissatisfaction, we welcome your feedback and will respond promptly and appropriately.

“Are your caregivers employees or contracted?”
A very large majority of our staff are agency employees, including all nurses, hospice/home health aides, medical social workers, chaplains and volunteers, and most therapists.  On rare occasions we contract with therapy groups to supplement our therapy department.  Any time we contract with therapists, they are agents of our agency and are held accountable to same standards of our direct employees.

“How are your caregivers screened?”
Our skilled leadership team screens applicants for competence and preparedness for specific role within our organization.  Also, all new hires undergo a screening that consists of a minimum of (2) reference checks, state and/or federal criminal background checks and drug screenings.

“Are the caregivers Certified Nursing Assistant’s (CNA’s) versus sitters/companions? ”
All hospice and home health aides are trained certified nursing assistants listed with the NC State Nursing Registry. They are required to demonstrate additional competencies specific to home health and hospice care.

“Is your agency licensed and insured?”
All sites are licensed by the State of North Carolina to provide home health and/or hospice services.  We maintain general and professional liability insurance for all staff and volunteers.