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“Thank you for providing mother with thoughtful caretakers for the last 8 years, particularly and especially Barbara. You and Gloria do a wonderful job. Don't know what we would have done without you.”
— D.B.

Caregiver's Corner

Frequently Asked Questions

Your peace of mind is essential when making a decision about care for a loved one. Here are some recommended questions for any company or individuals you are considering to provide caregiving services. For your convenience we have included INS answers to these questions and some helpful websites.

How long has the agency been in business and who owns the company?

Innovative Nurses & Sitters has been providing care to Houston area clients since 1995. We are locally owned and operated by Susan Davis, agency administrator. Susan can be reached at 713-523-2329.

INS is a licensed Personal Assistance Services agency in good standing with the Texas Department of Aging and the Texas Comptroller's office. INS is committed to operate according to the highest ethical standards.

How is the caregiver staff screened and managed?

In compliance with Texas state law we do a criminal background check, nurse aide registry trace (where applicable) and employee misconduct registry trace on each applicant. Everyone goes through a thorough personal interview and skills evaluation. Records are retained with the caregiver employment application, resume, reference checks and work history verification. Employees are supervised regularly while on an assignment for optimum care results.

Of major importance to INS and our clients is that caregivers demonstrate a heart for caregiving, compassion, and empathy for the clients they will serve.

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Does the company or agency withhold employment taxes or will I be responsible?

All caregivers are employees of INS and we file all applicable federal and state taxes and paperwork.

Some agencies and registries treat their caregivers as contract labor which puts the burden of paying payroll taxes and filing paperwork on the shoulders of the client. When hiring individuals as caregivers, the client takes on the 'employer' designation and is also responsible for taxes and paperwork.

Are there any other advantages to using a licensed agency rather than hiring a caregiver directly?

In addition to the agency services mentioned in the previous answers, accountability and supervision are key advantages to using a licensed agency.

While there are some wonderful independent caregivers, an agency provides the security of a qualified back up staff in case a caregiver experiences a personal emergency, sickness or family problem. An agency also acts as a "buffer" between the client and caregiver; we handle any unpleasant chore or problem without disrupting the care of the client.

A licensed agency has the following responsibilities:

• Schedules caregivers according to the wishes of the client.
• Keeps close track of hours worked.
• Is accountable for the services provided, not just to the client but also to the state regulatory department.
• Supervises caregivers in their job duties.
• Provides on the job training when needed.
• Monitors the continuing education credits and courses employees are required to complete annually.
• Pays federal and social security taxes and worker unemployment compensation, taking this task off the shoulders of the client and their family.
• Files all required paperwork with the government.

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Can I change or discontinue service, ask for a different caregiver and what is the charge for making a change?

We have a 4 hr. minimum requirement for care and you may select the days and times that you prefer service. We can provide up to 24 hrs. per day care, 7 days per week if necessary. As the client's needs change we will gladly accommodate those changes. We can increase or decrease care and will provide an alternate caregiver if desired. We require no contract and services may be changed or terminated with no additional charge incurred.

An agency supervisor is available 24/7 for emergencies or changes in schedules.

What about security?

The majority of our employees have worked with INS for years. In the unlikely event that a client suspects misconduct by an INS employee, we will initiate a thorough investigation. Those suspected of a violation of our high standards of operation or ethics will be disciplined or terminated and another caregiver will be assigned immediately.

INS will happily provide references upon request with the written consent of our clients and/or their family.

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Helpful Contacts

Alzheimer’s Association (“Someone to Stand By You”)
[ www.alztex.org ]
Houston: 713-266-6400 or 800-266-8744
Stafford: 281-261-1871 or 800-266-8744
Brazos: 979-680-8888 or 800-967-8015
Beaumont: 409-833-1613 or 800-449-1613

Houston Parkinson’s Association
[ www.hapsonline.org ] 713-626-7114

Multiple Sclerosis Society 713-626-7114

Care Professional Group
[ www.medcarepro.com ]
For pediatric private duty services.

Today's Caregiver Magazine
[ Today's Caregiver Family Checklist ]

Suggested Reading
[ Aging in Place: A Real Choice ]

Hospice Association of America
[ http://www.hospice-america.org/ ]

TxPEC - Texas Partnership for End-Of-Life Care
[ http://www.txpec.org/whatsnew/texas.asp ]
For information on Advance Directives.

National Adult Day Services Association
[ http://cwww.nadsa.org/ ]

National Alliance for Caregiving
[ http://www.caregiving.org/ ]

National Council on Aging, Inc.
[ http://www.ncoa.org/ ]

The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)
[ http://www.reversemortgage.org/

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