Question 1

What is non-medical home care?

Accepted Answer

Non-medical home care provides help with daily activities: bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, transportation, and companionship, so seniors can stay safely in their own home. Our Certified Nursing Assistants do not provide skilled nursing or medical treatments; those are handled by home health agencies, hospice, or your doctor.

Question 2

How much does home care cost in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Our hourly non-medical home care ranges from $28 to $32 per hour depending on the level of care, time of day, and length of shift, with a 4-hour minimum per visit. Overnight and 24-hour live-in care is billed at flat or daily rates that are usually more economical per hour. We provide a clear, written price quote during your free in-home consultation, with no hidden fees.

Question 3

Does Medicare cover non-medical home care?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Medicare covers short-term skilled home health (nurses, physical therapy) after a qualifying event, but it does not cover ongoing non-medical care like bathing, companionship, or homemaker services. Our clients pay privately or through long-term care insurance. We do not accept Medicaid or VA benefits.

Question 4

Does long-term care insurance cover your services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept long-term care insurance and can help you understand and submit your claim. Most LTC policies cover non-medical home care once a doctor certifies that the client needs help with two or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or has a cognitive impairment. We are happy to coordinate directly with your insurance company.

Question 5

What's the difference between a CNA, HHA, and a companion?

Accepted Answer

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has completed state-approved training and is licensed to provide hands-on personal care like bathing, dressing, and transfers. A Home Health Aide (HHA) is similar but with a slightly different training path. A companion provides non-hands-on support: conversation, meal prep, errands, light housekeeping, and supervision. Our team includes both CNAs and companions, and we match the right caregiver to your needs.

Question 6

Can your caregivers help with bathing, dressing, and toileting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our CNAs provide hands-on personal care including bathing, showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, incontinence care, and transfers. Each care plan is built around what the client is comfortable with and what they need help with most.

Question 7

How quickly can you start care?

Accepted Answer

For urgent situations like a hospital discharge, a sudden illness, or a family emergency, we can often begin care within 24 hours. For non-urgent starts, we usually schedule the free in-home consultation within a few days and begin care shortly after. Call (407) 434-0766 anytime, 24/7, and we will walk you through the next steps.

Question 8

Do you offer 24-hour or live-in care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer both overnight care (a caregiver stays awake or available through the night) and 24-hour live-in care (a caregiver lives in the home and rotates with a teammate). Live-in is often the most economical choice for clients who need constant supervision and companionship.

Question 9

What is respite care and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Respite care is short-term home care that gives family caregivers a break. It can be a few hours so you can run errands or rest, a full day so you can attend an event, or several days while you travel. We staff a caregiver who learns your loved one's routine in advance so the handoff is seamless.

Question 10

How do you choose and train your caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Every caregiver completes a Florida Clearinghouse Level 2 background screening, identity and reference verification, and skills assessment, and drug testing is available on request. They are W-2 employees (not contractors), bonded, insured, and receive ongoing training in dementia care, fall prevention, infection control, and HIPAA. We match caregivers to clients by personality, language, and care needs, not just availability.

Question 11

Are you licensed and accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Supporting Independence is a family-owned Florida home care agency, serving families since 2011, AHCA licensed (license #299993995), and accredited by The Joint Commission and the Better Business Bureau (A+). We carry general liability, professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance, and every caregiver is bonded.

Question 12

What areas of Central Florida do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Maitland, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Sanford, Longwood, Casselberry, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, and the surrounding communities across Orange and Seminole County. Not sure if you are in our service area? Call us and we will let you know right away.

Question 13

What happens if my regular caregiver is sick or unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Continuity matters, so we work to keep the same caregiver with your loved one as much as possible. When your regular caregiver is sick or on vacation, we coordinate a backup caregiver who has been briefed on the care plan and the client's routine, so the handoff is smooth.

Question 14

Can I change caregivers if it's not the right fit?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Chemistry between caregiver and client matters a lot, and we encourage families to speak up if something is not working. We will rematch quickly and at no cost. Our job is to find the right fit, not just any fit.

Question 15

Is there a minimum number of hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each visit is a minimum of 4 hours.

Question 16

Do you accept Medicaid or VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

No. We work with private pay and long-term care insurance, and we do not accept Medicaid or VA benefits.

Question 17

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Call (407) 434-0766 anytime or fill out the contact form. We will schedule a free in-home consultation at a time that works for your family, review your loved one's needs, build a customized care plan, and answer all your questions. There is no obligation, and we never pressure families to start before they are ready.

Home Care Questions, Honestly Answered

Still have a question?