FAQ's:Frequently Asked Questions
1. I hear a lot about illegitimate agencies: Are you a licensed agency?
Yes. Ambient Home Care is a licensed New Jersey Health Care Service Firm (HCSF). We are regulated by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and the NJ Board of Nursing. We meet the standards set forth by the state of New Jersey. Check out this position paper from an independent agency about different types of agencies and the risks involved.
2. My loved one requires hands-on care: What qualifications do your employees have?
Ambient Home Care only employs Certified Home Health Aides (CHHA). CHHA´s in New Jersey are regulated by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and must satisfy state-regulated training requirements by licensed training facilities. Their training includes 76 hours of classroom training on skills such as safety issues, body mechanics, bodily systems and special home care training. A CHHA must renew his or her certification every 2 years to remain in good standing. In addition, a CHHA goes through criminal background checks, including fingerprinting and must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.
3. A Certified Home Health Aide sounds exactly like what I need: Can’t I just hire a CHHA directly?
No. New Jersey law and regulation does not permit CHHAs to be privately employed. They must work through a licensed home health care service firm, which Ambient Home Care is, and under the supervision of a licensed RN, employed by the agency.
4. Will there be anyone from the agency checking in on my loved one?
Yes! A registered nurse from Ambient Home Care will frequently visit your loved ones home. They will ensure that the plan of care is being followed and, if need be, updated.
5. You hear a lot of stories about taking advantage of the elderly: What type of precautions do you take or insurances do you have?
Many! We take every precaution possible to ensure that such an occurrence never happens but if it did, Ambient has you covered. We complete a criminal background check on all of our employees. We also individually cover all of our employees for general and professional liability insurance. If there were ever a case of theft, Ambient Home Care is fully bonded. In the case of a work related injury, we cover all of our employees for workers compensation insurance. Have peace of mind knowing that Ambient Home Care has covered all their bases.
6. I know of some people who pay their caregiver directly: Is there any exchange of money between my loved one and the caregiver?
No. There is not exchange of money between anyone and the caregiver other than their employer, which is Ambient Home Care. We take care of all the withholdings, such as social security, federal, state and local taxes.
7. What are your service areas?
We offer our live´in services throughout the entire state of New Jersey. Currently, we offer our hourly services in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
8. Are you locally owned and operated?
Yes. Ambient Home Care is proud to be a locally owned and operated home health care agency. It allows us to not to be constrained by any bureaucracy and concentrate on what is important, the best possible care of your loved one.
9. My mom doesn´t take to well to strangers being in her house: Do you schedule the same care giver for each visit?
Yes. Ambient Home Care understands how important relationship building is and providing continuity of care. We do our best to schedule the same caregiver for each visit.
10. If my loved one doesn´t take well to the Ambient Home Care caregiver, Can I request another caregiver if my loved one is not happy?
Yes. We understand that personality conflicts happen. Just call Ambient Home Care and we will take care of it immediately. This will relieve you of the awkwardness of having to address these issues on your own. We are not happy unless you are completely satisfied.
11. How am I billed?
We make it simple. We send a bill out every 2 weeks. This bill can go either to your loved one or whoever will be handling the finances.
12. If I choose Ambient Home Care as my home health Care provider, are there any long term commitments?
No. The extent of the contract is 48 hours from when you start services. It is clearly outlined in the service agreement that you only need to give Ambient Home Care 2 days notice if you want to cancel services temporarily or permanently.
13. What are your hours of operation?
Ambient Home Care is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our normal business hours are from 8:30am–5:30pm. We have an on call supervisor available 24 hours a day.
14. Do you offer both live-in and hourly services?
Yes. We offer care to meet the needs of your loved ones; from hourly services to reduced, flat fees for live-in services.
15. How much notice do you need to begin services?
Ambient Home Care realizes that you don´t always have weeks to plan for home care. Once we complete the initial assessment, we can normally arrange for services to begin in as little as 2 days.
