FAQ
Why should I use Starlight Caregivers instead of hiring a caregiver directly?
What areas does Starlight Caregivers serve?
Can I speak with a client who has used your service and can provide a review?
Will my health insurance, Medicare, or Medi-Cal pay for your services?
Can my caregiver assist with medications, injections, medical advice or assistance?
What if my caregiver is sick or cannot make an appointment?
What happens if I want to switch caregivers?
Is Starlight Caregivers active in state and national home care and other organizations?
How does the caregiver know what to do when they arrive in the home?
How does Starlight Caregivers supervise caregivers?
How do you select your caregivers?
How do I know if Starlight Caregivers is performing to the plan of care?
Do you provide services in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other locations?
Do you charge a fee for an initial in-home consultation?
Can Starlight Caregivers provide transportation?
Can clients reach an employee of the home care agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Are there any long-term commitments or long-term contracts?
Are caregivers directly employed by Starlight Caregivers?
You would need to consider California regulations related to in-home care, including issues related to workers compensation insurance, liability insurance, overtime pay, work breaks, vacations, taxes, minimum wage and unemployment laws. Complex and frequently changing laws and regulations can quickly become a major financial burden. Starlight Caregivers invests significant time and financial resources into screening, training, bonding and insuring our employees.
Starlight Caregivers provides services throughout Silicon Valley, including Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Menlo Park, San Jose, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley, Stanford, Santa Clara, Campbell, San Mateo, Redwood City, and San Carlos.
Yes, of course. We can set up a phone call with a past or current client. You can also take a look at Starlight’s dozens of five-star reviews on Caring.com and on Yelp. Be sure to review the numerous positive comments in the Yelp hidden review section.
No, not currently. Since we offer only non-medical care, health insurance and government programs do not cover these services, but this may change in the future pending upcoming changes to the law. Some long-term care insurance policies will pay for some or all of these services. Contact your insurance agent to evaluate coverage. Starlight Caregivers is happy to help with paperwork necessary for reimbursement from your long-term care insurance provider at your request.
No. Starlight Caregivers cannot physically administer any medications or injections; this must be done by a qualified nurse as directed by your physician. However, our service does include medication reminders and monitoring, and we can share notes with the family, nurse and/or doctor. We often work alongside RNs as they come and go for brief visits into our clients’ homes.
This is one of the many benefits of working with Starlight Caregivers. We will find a temporary match for service skills and personality to substitute for your regular caregiver.
We strive to provide the perfect match of skills and personality on day one. If that caregiver does not work out for any reason, we will work with you to provide a caregiver with whom you are completely satisfied. If we cannot fulfill your needs, we can provide referrals to other agencies.
Yes! We are proud and active members of the Aging Life Care Association®, the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the Private Duty Homecare Association (PDHCA), and the Alzheimer’s Association. We are also members of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and we are A+ listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Starlight Caregivers are carefully selected to match the client’s needs, and they provide services according to the client’s individual care plan. In addition, the case manager may accompany the caregiver on the first visit for orientation and introductions.
Starlight supervises employees with random visits in the client’s home, by reaching out to clients for feedback, and with ongoing formal evaluations and training. Starlight also uses a web-based platform to provide and receive daily notes from clients and caregivers. Caregiver evaluations are performed at least after their first 90 days of employment and again annually.
Our caregivers are our employees and our greatest asset. Read about our hiring and training process here.
We offer transparent access to our unique web-based technology that allows you to see exactly when the caregivers arrive and depart, and review daily notes the caregivers will have posted. Notes may include what was eaten, activities of the day, toileting notes and other general comments. This is a great way to stay in touch with daily activity, even if you live across the country or overseas.
Absolutely! This is very common, and with the permission of these private facilities, Starlight Caregivers are prepared to work whenever and wherever the client needs our support, wherever they call home.
No. Following an initial phone conversation to discover your needs, we will schedule a free in-person, no-obligation consultation with our case manager. This in-person meeting is usually held at the current residence of the client needing care and is a very important step in the development of the care plan. This meeting usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes so we can fully understand client’s needs and the environment, explain our services, and develop a quality care plan.
Yes. Transportation needs are included in the care plan. This includes doctor’s appointments, grocery store trips, hairdressers, hobby trips, church, and any variety of errands. Our caregivers carry validated insurance and can also drive the client’s car (if fully insured). Sometimes the caregiver’s car is too small or uncomfortable for certain clients, so these details are documented in the care plan.
Yes! A Starlight employee answers the phone 24/7. We believe this level of customer service is essential to providing outstanding care and service to our clients.
Not at all. You may benefit from discounted pricing for a long-term arrangement, but you are under no obligation to continue services for any specific period of time. You can cancel service at any time, but we do ask for a courtesy notice of 48 hours prior to a scheduled service so we can plan accordingly.
Absolutely! This is a critical question to ask when considering caregivers working in your home. Starlight Caregivers are our direct employees, not contractors. They are fully insured, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance, and they are bonded. This totally protects clients and places full responsibility on the agency. Starlight is also responsible for all benefits, tax withholding, and employer contributions for federal and state unemployment insurance.