Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does SCS do to ensure we receive professional care in our home?
Specialty Care Services is committed to ensuring we hire only the most qualified professionals. Each caregiver is carefully screened, fully licensed and bonded.
Our selection criteria requires:
- At least two years of health care experience
- At least one year of experience in a nursing home facility or hospital
- Current CPR certification
- PPD testing (TB testing)
- A rigorous criminal background check
- A current physical
- Two positive references
- Professional license
2. How is Specialty Care Services different from other agencies?
First we gather information pertaining to the individual condition, needs and preferences. Second our Director of Nursing does an assessment based on the information given. Third we identify the 2-3 caregivers best suited for the job. Finally the individual and/or their family interviews the caregivers and makes the final decision on which caregiver is chosen.
3. How are your caregivers prepared to meet the needs of their new client?
The caregiver is introduced to the individual and their family prior to starting the job. By considering skills, personality, and experience we will match an appropriate caregiver to the person and family. In addition, they will receive an exact copy of the Client’s Information Profile that has been prepared. In this way the caregiver has the opportunity to review it in detail, and if there are any questions, they will be answered prior to starting services.
We understand and appreciate the relationship which may form; therefore there will not be a different caregiver each day.
4. Are your employees bonded and insured?
Yes.
5. Is Specialty Care Services licensed?
Yes. Specialty Care Services is licensed by the state of Maryland.
6. Do you conduct criminal background checks?
Yes.
7. Who pays the caregiver? Do I pay Specialty Care Services separately?
We take care of payroll, employee/employer taxes, workers compensation and liability insurance. In this way, you are not responsible for reporting employment information to government authorities. This is all taken care of for you. You are billed weekly and we accept most major credit cards and personal checks. We also accept most Long Term Care Insurance.
8. Are your services available in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals?
Yes. Our services are able to be rendered anywhere assistance is needed. Prior authorization must be received at some facilities to be able to start services.
9. Does Medicare for Private Insurance pay for your services?
Medicare covers skilled nursing services; however some private insurance policies cover unskilled nursing services. Please consult your individual insurance policy.
10. How far in advance should we contact Specialty Care Services prior to starting services?
You may call us at anytime. In some cases we can provide same day services. It is imperative that we assess the needs of the individual and their family to ensure proper care. This allows us to make the best possible match for your needs.
11. What type of services do you offer?
We offer hourly, overnight, 24 hour live-in daily and weekly services.
12. Your office is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Does that mean you only accept clients in the DC Metro area?
We offer services in most of Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.
13. Do you provide short-term respite care for the weekend or vacation relief?
Yes. This is a popular service.
