Is A La Carte Companion Services a government agency?

No, A La Carte Companion Services is a private-pay company. Although we do not accept medical insurance payments, we will assist you with completing all necessary paperwork for reimbursement.

Am I responsible for taxes?

No, A La Carte Companion Services will record the companion's or caregiver's compensation and issue the proper tax form(s) to companion's or caregivers on behalf of the client. Note: the client is not responsible for the contractors' taxes.  Our companions or caregivers are employees of A La Carte Companion Services.  As an employer, we are required by law for paying taxes on social security, medi-care, state disability, and worker's compensation insurance.

How do we select and process our caregivers?

Generally companions or caregivers are personally referred to A La Carte Companion Services. There is an initial screening and interview over the phone. During the registration process, the caregiver completes all required paperwork and our office does a thorough national criminal background screening. If the companion or caregiver has not resided in the state for at least a year then a criminal background check is also done in the previous state of residence. State mandated registry checks are also done on each companion or caregiver and references are verified and checked. A La Carte Companion Services also screens for copies of their driver's license, social security card and/or green card to verify that they are eligible to work. All our our personnel is required to take a drug screening and Tuberculosis testing.  Our personnel records are up-dated annually on each employee.

Will I have a different companion each day?

No, We try to make sure our companion or caregiver meets your requirements. Although we realize sometimes there may be a reason you would prefer to request another companion or caregiver, we do our best to fit you with a compatible employee. If your companion or caregiver is unable to provide services on a given day, A La Carte Companion Services and the caregiver will work very hard to find a suitable substitute that meets your requirements in a timely manner. You call the shots.

Are caregivers allowed to work outside of private residences?

Yes. The companion or caregivers are happy to provide their services in your own home, hospice, a family member's home, a hospital, a health care facility, a retirement facility, an assisted living facility.

Will my long-term care insurance cover the caregiver's services?

In most cases, long term care insurance does reimburse you for the caregiver's services. A La Carte Companion Services will be happy to work with you and your insurance company during this process.

Is it necessary to sign a contract?

Yes, A La Carte Companion Services has a agreement for services form that needs to be signed before the companion or caregiver can provide services. We want to make sure we are providing you with the exact services you requested.

Can I make changes after I signed the agreement?

Of course you can. Circumstances may change, and we understand things happen in life. We are here to assist you.

Are companions or caregiver assigned a schedule?

We work towards accommodating your needs. Therefore, you choose the hours you need and the schedule that fits your lifestyle. Feel free to schedule your companions or caregiver for a few hours a day, a couple of times a week or for twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. 

What if I don't like the companion or caregiver?

We realize and understand at A La Carte Companion Services that sometimes people aren't compatible and are not able to develop a working relationship. You have the right to ultimate quality control. You retain the right to obtain a replacement referral from A La Carte Companion Services without an explanation.  We respect you decision. We do appreciate any comments you want to share with us about your caregiver.  This information will be kept confidential.

How and when is payment made?

Clients are invoiced weekly and payment is made weekly to A La Carte Companion Services. Detailed financial records are maintained on all client payments and disbursements of all funds. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards.