New York State does require that all home care agencies be licensed in order to perform “hands on” personal care. It does not, however, require licensing of “Companion” agencies. These unlicensed agencies are not required to follow any regulations to ensure client safety. They are not required to do fingerprinting or background checks on their employees. They are also NOT permitted to do any tasks for the client like dressing, bathing, assist with walking, transferring. They are only permitted to provide companion services. Once the client’s condition changes and they need more direct care, they would then need to be transferred to a Licensed Agency. Some licensed agencies also perform companion services. This is the ideal situation when looking for companion services. Using an agency that is licensed will make the transition easier if the client’s needs should change and more care is needed. The personal care services would then transfer over seamlessly, without having to change agencies.

There are many important factors to consider in choosing the best agency to meet your needs. We feel one of the most important factors is …is the Agency licensed by NYS, are they Joint Commission or CHAP Accredited, How many years has the agency been serving your community? Is the agency an approved Medicaid provider (if applicable)? Do they take your Managed Care Insurance (if applicable)? When should we consider home health care? The time to consider home health care for you or a loved one is when help is needed with some or all of the normal activities of daily living, such as hygiene, housekeeping, cooking, shopping or even walking steadily without assistance. Other indications maybe that more help is needed than the family is able to offer or there is an increase in forgetfulness that may prove dangerous because of medications improperly taken or stove burners being left on.

All our Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides go through a rigorous application process with Recco. They are required to have a valid certificate. They must be fingerprinted and their references are checked, as well as up to date medical and immunizations before they are permitted to work for any client.

Recco Home Care Service, Inc. is licensed by the New York State Department of Health. In order to maintain that license, we must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. We are also Accredited by The Joint Commission and have earned their “Gold Seal” of approval.

Homemaker/companions are primarily that….a companion. They are not permitted to do any “hands on care” to the client. The primary role of a companion would be meal preparation, housekeeping and shopping. If the client requires more assistance, like help with bathing, dressing, walking, etc. then a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide would be needed.

Home health care costs differ greatly depending on the individual case, but are usually much lower than the long-term care facility alternative. Often the costs are buffered or completely covered by a third party such as insurance or special government programs designed to assist handicapped, disabled or injured people and their families. What’s more is that home health care is billed based on usage. That is to say that if you only use one hour of service, you’re only billed for one hour unlike a long term facility which bills around the clock whether care is being given or not.