Question 1

What is the difference between home care and home health care?

Accepted Answer

Home care is non-medical help with daily living provided by caregivers. Home health care is skilled clinical care ordered by a physician and provided by licensed nurses or therapists. Families often use both at different points.

Question 2

Do you provide skilled nursing, hospice, or medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. This site is an informational resource about non-medical in-home care. It is not a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospice, home health agency, Medicare-certified agency, or medical provider.

Question 3

How do I know when a parent needs in-home help?

Accepted Answer

Watch for changes in hygiene, weight, home condition, medication management, driving, and social engagement. A single fall or one missed-medication episode is enough reason to arrange support.

Question 4

How many hours of care do we need?

Accepted Answer

Most families start with the hardest part of the day, often mornings for bathing and breakfast, then adjust. Common starting points range from a few hours a week to daily visits.

Question 5

What is the minimum visit length?

Accepted Answer

Providers typically schedule blocks of several hours rather than short drop-ins, because bathing, meals, and errands take real time.

Question 6

Can care start quickly?

Accepted Answer

Non-medical care can often begin within days of an assessment, though start dates always depend on caregiver availability.

Question 7

Can we request a Spanish-speaking caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Language preferences are common in San Antonio and are taken into account during matching, subject to caregiver availability.

Question 8

Will the same caregiver come every time?

Accepted Answer

Consistency is the goal, since the relationship is what makes personal care acceptable. Illness, vacations, and schedule changes sometimes require a substitute.

Question 9

Can caregivers give medications?

Accepted Answer

No. Non-medical caregivers provide reminders and support, but they do not administer medications, injections, or clinical treatments.

Question 10

Does Medicare pay for home care?

Accepted Answer

Medicare does not cover ongoing non-medical home care. It may cover intermittent skilled home health when a physician certifies medical necessity and coverage criteria are met.

Question 11

How is home care priced?

Accepted Answer

Non-medical care is usually billed hourly with a per-visit minimum. Live-in care is often a daily rate, and 24-hour care is billed across continuous awake shifts. Request current written rates from any provider.

Question 12

What is the difference between 24-hour care and live-in care?

Accepted Answer

24-hour care uses rotating caregivers who are awake at all times. Live-in care places one caregiver in the home with scheduled breaks and a sleep period.

Question 13

Can home care replace assisted living or a nursing home?

Accepted Answer

Often yes when needs are non-medical. It cannot replace continuous licensed nursing when that is medically required.

Question 14

Which San Antonio areas are covered?

Accepted Answer

Families contact us from across San Antonio and Bexar County, including Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Helotes, Leon Valley, Shavano Park, Castle Hills, the Medical Center area, and Northwest and North Central San Antonio. Coverage depends on caregiver availability.

Question 15

What happens after I submit the request form?

Accepted Answer

A care coordinator contacts you to discuss the situation, explain care options, and outline next steps. Submitting the form does not create a care agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care in San Antonio

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Talk through your options with a care coordinator