FAQ

Agency Business Structure

Is your agency licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health?

Yes, we have been continuously licensed by the IDPH since 1995.

The Illinois Home Health, Home Services and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act was passed into law in 2005 and we currently hold Home Nursing and Home Services licenses. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires all home health, home services and home nursing agencies to be licensed.

How many years has your agency been in business?

A-Abiding CARE, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Joyce Kernan – an RN and pioneer in the field of home health care. The Board of Trustees – Joyce’s family – and our loyal staff continue her legacy and mission to provide quality home health care services and provide employment for many caregivers, nurses and administrative staff over the years.

Is there an office where I can stop by and meet the office staff?

Yes, we would love to meet you and answer any home care questions you have! No appointment is necessary. We have been located in Park Ridge since 1983. Our address is: 233 N Northwest Highway in Park Ridge, two blocks west of the downtown intersection of Prospect, Touhy and Northwest Highway. Our office is open M-F 8:30 am – 5 pm. Appointments are available after hours and on weekends by request.

Services Available

What services do you offer?

We offer a variety of personalized solutions to accommodate our client’s and their families needs and schedules. We offer Hourly care on a come-and-go basis and we also offer Live-In care. Mini-Visits are another option for specific needs, ie. Bath visit, well-being check, medication reminder – or – skilled services such as dressing changes or medication management.

What are your rates?

We are pleased to share our rates with you when you call 847-698-1400. Our rate structure is very competitive with other full-service agencies, and even more when you consider the Value Added services we offer FREE of charge (initial RN assessment visits, follow-up assessment/supervisory visits, RN and on-call staff, RN case management, etc.).

Do you require a minimum number of hours?

Our Hourly Services have a six (6) hour minimum, thirty (30) hour minimum per week. Live-In Services have a minimum of three (3) days per week. No minimum is required for the Para-Professional Mini-Visit or Skilled Visits.

We can provide services for less than the minimums noted above-higher rates will apply.

Clients will qualify for our lowest rates when they meet our service minimums.

What community areas do you cover?

We provide services in Chicago and Chicago North and Northwest Suburban Communities.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we work with many insurance providers. Please verify your benefits with your provider regarding the elimination period and daily benefit. We work with families to maximize the amount of care provided by your policy and your daily benefit dollars.

Does your agency provide an in home assessment prior to starting services

Yes, we provide an assessment visit by an RN prior to starting any care. This provides the client and family an opportunity to interact with our staff. Our nurse assesses the client care needs and the environment for comfort and safety issues. She also reviews the Service Agreement and Plan of Care with the client and family. This RN assessment is a value-added service we offer Free of charge.

Caregivers

Do I need to pay a finder’s fee for caregivers?

No. As an Illinois employer, A-Abiding CARE, Inc. will never ask you to pay a finders fee.

As the employer, A-Abiding CARE, Inc. pays all required payroll taxes and social security. We carry liability insurance and cover our employees with Workers Compensation benefits should an on-the-job injury occur. Agencies that secure a caregiver for you and charge a finder’s fee are providing you with an independent contractor. As a result you become the employer and are liable for their payroll taxes, social security, and unemployment. You also would be liable should an on the job injury occur leaving you vulnerable to financial responsibility/legal action.

Do you check references?

Of course. We require multiple personal & professional references. Our screening and orientation process is thorough; we hire only 20% of all applicants we interview.

Do you supervise the caregiver?

Yes, the caregivers are supervised by our Nursing Staff.

Do you check criminal backgrounds?

Yes, we conduct criminal background checks as required by IL Healthcare Worker Background Check Act.

Do your caregivers speak English?

Yes, we require our caregivers to read, write and speak English so they can communicate effectively in writing and verbally with the client, client’s family and AACI staff. This is imperative in an emergency situation.

Is your staff trained?

We provide 8 hours of training and competency training prior to scheduling any caregivers. We require a minimum of 8 hours of training annually.

Operations

If my caregiver doesn’t show up, what happens?

We know client coverage and continuity of care is vital. As a 24 hour agency, if a caregiver is ill, we make every reasonable effort to replace a caregiver with the required skills as quickly as possible.

Is your agency available 24/7?

Yes, there is a voice at the end of the phone and we are available 24/7. Our office is open M-F 8.30 AM to 5 PM. After hours and on weekends, AACI On-Call staff as well as on-call RN staff are available to answer questions and provide support to clients/families and our caregivers. Inquiries about home care can arise at any time and our staff can assist individuals who are looking for information and resources for their loved ones.

What happens if I need help and your office is closed?

Our AACI On-Call staff will respond to your call after hours, weekends and on holidays. An RN is also on-call for medical questions, caregiver and client/family support during those times.

How do you bill?

We bill weekly outlining the dates of service, hours/shifts worked, caregiver name(s) and charges.

Do you provide information for my insurance company or physician?

Yes, we can provide information as requested.

Does your Agency make surprise visits to the home?

Yes, we conduct periodic supervisory visits on all our clients. These visits are performed by an RN. During these visits, the nurse reviews and updates the Care Plan, discusses with the client how they are progressing and how home care is working for them. The caregiver is also observed in the home as they provide personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and interacting with the client.

The Community Liaison also conducts surprise visits to the home. She visits clients within the first few weeks of care to provide support to the client and help resolve any transition issues in the initial period of our home care relationship. Communication is very important and we encourage our client’s and their family to talk to us; tell us what’s working well and how we can enrich their life at home and make our home care relationship a success.

How soon can you start care?

We will make every reasonable effort to respond to your needs. We know health care needs can be immediate and have been able to initiate the assessment visit and care within 2 hours. Generally the longer the lead time, the better as we want to secure the most appropriate caregivers for the skills required. Generally speaking, we can respond to most requests within 12-24 hours.

Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes, we have a Service Agreement outlining the Services Provided, Service Requirements, Fees, Overtime and Holiday Coverage, Financial Responsibility, Billing, Time Slip Compliance, Supervisory/Assessment Nurse Visit, Scheduling and Scheduling Changes, Interruption of Services, Cancellation of Specific Services, Termination of Services.

Do you work with hospice?

Yes, we work with all Hospice and Palliative Support providers. Our services complement their services assisting clients with their personal care needs and activities of daily living.

Affiliations

Is your agency licensed by IDPH?