Common Questions

People often have the same questions about our home care services, so we have provided answers to them here. If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to call us.

Home care refers to non-medical services to help people with their activities of daily living. Because so many seniors want to stay in their own homes, a wide variety of services have evolved in recent years. Companion Extraordinaire services are available on an hourly basis 24 hours a day and include Personal Care (feeding, dressing, toileting, hygiene and ambulation), Homemaker Services (cooking, light cleaning, laundry, transportation or grocery shopping) and Companionship (this could be as simple as someone to maintain daily contact with a short check-in or a round-the-clock paid companion). Compared to moving out of the home into a community, home care is typically the least expensive option for one-on-one care.

Who needs home care?

There are five Activities of Daily Living that people perform to survive and function in daily life. These are feeding, dressing, toileting, hygiene and ambulation. If Individuals are not able to perform any one or more Activity of Daily living, other activities may be affected as a consequence.

What is the difference between "companion" and "personal" care?

Companion care may include friendship, household chores, talking and taking walks together. Companions providing services do not have to be certified individuals. Companion care providers may not "touch" the patient in any way. Personal Care is more comprehensive and includes help with the Activities of Daily Living, and requires a certified professional to provide care. Homecare companies which provide companion services do not need to be licensed by Virginia Health Department. Companies providing Personal Care need to be licensed by the Virginia Health Department and must operate under strict regulations for quality care. Companion Extraordinaire is licensed for Personal Care and we also provide Companion Care.

What is 24-hour care?

24-hour care is also referred to as live-in. 24-hour care is a cost effective 24-hour supervision solution, where the Personal Assistant assists the client by day and is available to sleep in the home at night for family and client comfort and peace of mind. A 24-hour Personal Assistant does not actually reside in the home. The Companion Extraordinaire's Care Giver has a residence of their own and is paid a daily rate.

How do you select your Care Givers?

Companion Extraordinaire's Care Givers are selected for their kindness and reliability. Every Companion Extraordinaire Care Giver is subject to a criminal background check, a thorough interview, a competency test and personal and employment reference checks. All employees are licensed and bonded.

What makes Companion Extraordinaire different from other homecare agencies?

The Companion Extraordinaire experience is unique. We are a small Christian based organization in our 5th year of operation. Companion Extraordinaire is owned and operated by nurses with over 45 years of healthcare experience We truly understand the unique needs of our clients and their family. Along with our Caregivers, our owners maintain hands on contact with our clients and every Client's needs are customized just for them with special attention given to detail. Companion Extraordinaire works closely with the Alzheimer's Association to provide the most up to date care for our clients with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Our Founder and nursing supervisor is a certified Red Cross Instructor and a number of our employees are CPR Instructors. We also provide timely ongoing education for all of our employees.

What if a Care Giver is unable to make an appointment?

Companion Extraordinaire recruits and retains exceptional Care Givers. We maintain an extensive database of our Care Givers and their skills. In the event one is unable to be present, Companion Extraordinaire will provide another Care Giver to meet or exceed your needs and expectations.

Who pays the Care Giver?

Companion Extraordinaire is responsible for all of the administrative, billing, payroll and tax concerns involved in the employment process.

How do I set up services?

Once a request for care has been made, a Case Manager will conduct a consultation and assessment with you. A highly flexible, personalized and suitable care plan is developed and an appropriate Care Giver is assigned.