Frequently Asked Questions

Cornerstone Home Health Care | Collier County’s Premier Home Health Professionals

What Is a Medical House Call? What Services Does Home Health Care Provide? You can always expect to hear from us promptly when it comes to any questions or concerns. We always have a Care Manager on call 24/7, ready to assist.
Based on your needs and preferences, we can provide caregivers anywhere from 4–24 hours per day, to include 24 Hour Live-In Care & Hourly Care.

Is there a minimum amount of hours per day your Caregivers can work?

We can provide Caregivers anywhere from 4–24 hours per day.

What exact services does your company provide?

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Caregiver/Family Relief (Respite Care)
• Transportation to Doctor Appointments
• 24 Hour Live-In Care & Hourly Care
• Medication Assistance
• Skilled Nursing
• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care
• Assistance with Ambulation & Therapy Programs
• Specialized Home Ventilator & Trach Care (Adults & Pediatric)
• Meal Preparation
• Companionship
• Light Housekeeping
• Personal Care
• Shopping Laundry Service

Are all your caregivers fluent in English? As well as other languages?

Yes, we carefully screen all our Caregivers and make sure they are fluent in English.

We also have Caregivers who are fluent in Spanish, Filipino, French, French Creole, Portuguese, and many other languages.

What is your screening criteria for all of your Caregivers?

We carefully train and screen all our Caregivers. This includes:

• Level 2 Background Checks
• Extensive Criminal History Checks
• In-person Interviews and Hands-on Training
• Home Health Aide Written Tests
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Training
• CPR Training
• Routine COVID-19 Screening

We make sure to only select competent, professional, caring Caregivers who pass all these tests, along with a personality profile.

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?

We accept private pay and any type of long-term care insurance, but we are not Medicare or Medicaid certified. We can refer you to some local companies that do accept Medicare & Medicaid.

What if my parents are not happy with the Caregiver you send? Will they be able to choose a different Caregiver?

Once our nurse does an initial assessment, we then develop a specialized care plan to fit your parent’s needs. We then carefully select three or four Caregivers with strengths and personalities that match with your loved one.

You and your loved one can also meet and interview all selected Caregivers if you wish. Then, you can select the Caregiver who you feel is the best fit. Or if you prefer, we can send the Caregiver who we feel is the best match.

If for some reason you are not happy with your Caregiver, we have other options to ensure we can match you with your best fit.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care — frequently referred to simply as “home health” — is skilled care delivered directly to a patient’s home. This type of care is provided by licensed medical professionals including nurses, therapists, and aides for the purpose of treating or managing an illness, injury, or medical condition.

Home health care services can be delivered to the patient’s residence (which may be a private home or adult foster home), an assisted living or long-term nursing facility, or a memory or residential care facility.

Services that may be covered include medical services such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as non-medical services such as assistance with daily living.

Is Home Health Care the Same as Home Care?

No, home health care (i.e. home health) is significantly different from home care. While the two services sound similar (both take place at a patient’s home or residence), home health is administered by licensed medical professionals. Further, the type of care encompassed by home health care covers a myriad of ailments and diseases, including physical therapy, post-operative care, and treatment of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and chronic health conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Home Health Care?

The primary benefit of home health care for the elderly is that it can be delivered directly to the patient’s residence, whether it be a private home, adult foster home, assisted living or residential care facility, memory care facility, or long-term nursing home. By delivering care directly to the patient, expensive hospital bills can be avoided.

Family members are encouraged to be active participants in the planning process to help set and meet goals, working with home health care professionals for the benefit of the patient.

Additional benefits of home health care for seniors include:

• Faster recuperation and recovery from illness or injury
• Improved independence (over time)
• Maintaining or improving current condition or level of function
• Regaining self-sufficiency in the home
• Slowing of the decline of serious conditions
• Better symptom management

What Services Does Home Health Care Not Provide?

Home health care only provides medically necessary services – skilled services prescribed or recommended by a medical doctor. It does not provide unskilled services or daily necessities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, and transportation. These services are covered by personal home care assistance, which Cornerstone Home Health Care can also provide.

How to Get Home Health Care Service

There are several ways to apply for home health care services, but the first step is to have your doctor evaluate your condition and draw up a home health care plan. Once you have a physician-prescribed plan, you can contact your health insurance company or work directly with an agency, like Cornerstone Home Health Care, to establish service.

How quickly can in-home care services begin?

As quickly as you need them. We provide a reliable, compassionate, affordable caregiver on your timeframe, according to your needs.

How are Cornerstone Home Health caregivers selected?

We understand what makes a quality caregiver. All our caregivers are first and foremost compassionate people with a heart for seniors. In addition, we carefully screen, select, and train all our Caregivers to ensure we only provide competent professionals who pass all our strict requirements, along with a personality profile.

Can I choose my caregiver?

You’re in control of who cares for you. Before you decide to get started, one of our Registered Nurses will provide a free, complete in-home assessment and personalized plan of care. Based on your in-home assessment, we carefully select 3 or 4 Caregivers with strengths and personalities that match with the patient’s needs. You can choose the caregiver who you feel is the best fit. If for any reason this person doesn’t meet your expectations, a simple call to the office is all that’s needed to change the caregiver. We strive for 100-percent client satisfaction.

What happens in an emergency?

You can always expect to hear from us promptly when it comes to any questions or concerns. We always have a Care Manager on call 24/7, ready to assist.

Based on your needs and preferences, we can provide caregivers anywhere from 4–24 hours per day, to include 24 Hour Live-In Care & Hourly Care.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still happening right now, what precautions has your company taken to ensure safety?

We make sure to COVID-19 screen all prospective employees. We meticulously train and inform all Caregivers about COVID-19 prevention protocol and procedures, according to the Center For Disease Control (CDC).

We constantly supply all our Caregivers with masks, gloves, sanitizer, and other PPE materials.

We require all of our Caregivers to wear masks and gloves when working with clients.

How long does home health care last?

There is no set length of time for home health care—it can vary greatly based on a person’s unique needs. Some home health care services may last for a few weeks, while others may be lifelong. In cases where a physician is overseeing care, home health care services may only be required until your recovery goals are met. Under these circumstances, the doctor may  determine the number of visits you receive, how often the visits should occur and how long they should last, based on your needs and health status. In other situations where home health care is a matter of personal preference, the patient and their caregivers can decide what care plan best supports their needs and available resources. Professional agencies like Cornerstone Home Health Care are here to advise and support patients and their loved ones in making the best decisions for their unique circumstances.

What Does “Homebound” Mean?

Homebound simply means that the patient’s condition prevents them from being able to safely leave the home without assistance from others or assistive devices (e.g. canes, walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs).

In most cases, patients are still considered homebound even if they leave the home as needed for medical treatments that cannot be provided in-home. This may also include brief and occasional non-medical absences such as going to church, the beauty shop, or special family events.

I am a Veteran of the US Armed Forces and my doctor at the VA is ordering home health care for me. Can I request Cornerstone by name?

Absolutely, and we’d be honored to care for you or your loved one. Cornerstone Home Health Care works closely with the VA to care for Veterans across Southwest Florida, and the owner of Cornerstone, Mr. Edwin Cordero, is himself a Marine Corps Veteran!

What Does a Home Health Nurse Do?

A home health nurse provides skilled services in keeping with a physician’s plan of care for a home health care patient. These services may include the following:

• Taking the patient’s vitals
• Administering pain medication
• Completing medical treatments
• Recording symptoms in a journal

In addition to these simple tasks, a home health nurse helps facilitate communication between the patient’s physician and caregivers. Continuity of care is extremely important, and a home health nurse helps keep the lines of communication open, helping to inform all involved parties how to properly manage the patient’s condition.

Is hospitalization a requirement to receive home health care?

No. Hospitalization is not a requirement to receive home health care. Many patients are referred by their doctor, or may simply choose to incorporate professional home health care services into their daily routine to improve their loved one’s quality of life and to support and provide respite to existing caregivers

How quickly can in-home care services begin?

As quickly as you need them. We provide a reliable, compassionate, affordable caregiver on your timeframe, according to your needs.

What Does Home Health Care Do for Patients?

Home health care is designed to help the patient rest, recover, and receive treatment in the comfort of their own home or residence. Services provided by home health care are offered with the goal of helping the patient regain independence to become as self-sufficient as possible while also managing their disease or condition.

Home health care can benefit both acute and chronic conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Recovery from illness or surgery
• Chronic conditions or injuries

In addition to providing medically necessary services for the treatment of the above conditions, home health care professionals act as a liaison between the patient, the patient’s family, and the patient’s doctor. Home health care professionals keep a log for each visit and provide updates on the patient’s condition to the doctor as needed. This helps to ensure continuity of care.

What Services Does Home Health Care Provide?

Home health care consists of medically necessary, skilled services prescribed by a physician for the treatment of an illness, injury, or medical condition.

Skilled services provided by home health care may include the following:

• Infusion therapy
• Medication management
• Nursing care
• Nutrition services
• Pain management
• Ventilator care

Therapy (physical, occupational, speech)

Services provided by home health care professionals are tailored to the patient’s individual needs. Examples include checking vital signs, assessing pain, monitoring food intake, managing medications, helping with basic hygiene, and ensuring safety in the home.

What Is a Medical House Call?

A medical house call is a medical visit performed by a physician in the patient’s place of residence. These visits are typically administered to homebound adults who otherwise have limited or no access to regular medical care.

What Is a House Call Doctor?

A house call doctor, or house call physician, is simply a doctor who performs medical visits in the patient’s place of residence. House call doctors may be employed by an agency, or they may have their own practice.

What is the goal of Home Health Care?

• Improve your outcome
• Regain your independence
• Become as self-sufficient as possible
• Maintain or improve your current condition or level of function
• Slow any decline in your health status

Do you only provide home care services for older adults?

While the majority of our clients tend to be older adults, we serve clients of all ages and offer pediatric specialties as well. Please call us at (239) 319-9000 to talk through your specific situation.

How do I know if my loved one needs in-home care?

When a loved one is in the beginning stages of showing signs of loss of functionality, and ideally even before then, it’s a good idea to begin your search for a care solution. Cornerstone Home Health’s services are customized to each individual’s needs and modified as needs change.

We are concerned that our loved one is lonely. Can you help with that?

Yes. Our companion care is designed to provide you or your loved one with the company when they need it. Our friendly providers can visit and engage with patients to brighten their day and provide the social support and companionship they need to keep them in good spirits.

Do you offer live-in services?

If you or your loved one is no longer comfortable living alone and would like someone to stay with them 24/7, we are ready to step in. Based on our assessment of your needs, we’ll hand-pick caregivers and medical professionals to take care of your requirements around the clock. This may include a combination of the following coverage depending on your needs:

Multiple Shifts: A combination of staffing shifts ranging from three eight-hour shifts per day to any other variation to ensure qualified staff is on hand to care for you.

Live-In Service: One staff member (HCA or nurse depending on your needs) is present in your home for 20 hours per day available to assist and provide care for up to 10 hours per day. Your caregiver will sleep and eat at your home (requires a private bedroom in your home). Live-In labor standards and regulations require that a live-in caregiver have four consecutive hours free in every 24 hours of work. To provide full 24-hour coverage, we can supplement our Live-In Service care with four hours of service from a second caregiver.

What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are a set of simple tasks that are generally performed on a daily basis in order to live independently. They include activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (from a bed to a chair, for example), toileting, and grooming. An in-home health care provider can assist with all of these activities, as well as medication management, wound care, and other services as needed.

What are the signs that my loved one needs home health care service?

There are a few signs that may indicate that your loved one would benefit from receiving home health care services. These can include difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), a sudden decline in health or mobility, a chronic illness, or recent hospitalization. Instead of a traditional nursing home or assisted living facility, many people prefer to age in place and receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. Cornerstone Home Health Care can help make this possible.

Does Cornerstone Home Health Care offer hourly care service?

Yes, we offer both hourly and live-in home health care services. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and we will work with you to create a customized care plan that meets the unique needs of your loved one. Our home health care services range between 4 hours to round-the-clock care and can be adjusted as needed.

Do you offer both adult care and pediatric care?

Yes. Our certified caregivers and registered nurses are trained to provide care for both children and adults. In our 18 years in business, we have served more than 3,500 patients of all ages.

Do you have any caregivers who speak languages other than English?

Our nursing care service is designed to meet the needs of patients who speak English as their first or second language. We have certified caregivers on staff who speak a variety of languages, including Spanish, Filipino, French, Creole, Portuguese, and many others.

How important is respite care for family caregivers?

Respite care is a vital part of the support system for family caregivers. It can provide much-needed relief from the physical and emotional demands of caring for a loved one – allowing family caregivers to recharge, refresh, and refocus. By taking a break from caregiving, respite care can help reduce caregiver stress, prevent burnout, and protect the overall health and well-being of both the caregiver and the patient. 

If you are looking for quality and affordable respite care services in Naples, FL, look no further than Cornerstone Home Health Care Services. Our highly skilled and compassionate team can provide the care and support your loved one needs while giving you the time you need to take care of yourself.

Why should I choose a home health care service over a nursing home or assisted living facility?

There are many benefits to choosing a home health care service over a nursing home or assisted living facility, including:

• An in-home nursing care service allows your loved one to age in place in the comfort of their own home.
• Home health care can be more affordable than other long-term care options.
• One-on-one care and attention from a home health care professional can promote faster healing and recovery.
• In-home health care services are convenient and flexible – you can choose the days and times that work best for you and your family.

At Cornerstone Home Health Care Services, our number one priority is providing quality in-home care service to our patients. We understand that there is no place like home, and we are dedicated to helping our patients live happy, healthy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

What are the qualifications of the staff at Cornerstone Home Health Care Services?

All of our staff members are highly qualified and experienced in providing exceptional home health care services. Our nurses are all licensed and registered, and our aides are certified by the state of Florida. In addition, we conduct level 2 background checks, drug tests, and reference checks on all of our employees. We also require that all of our staff members complete a comprehensive training program before they begin working with our patients. Last but not the least, our home care service professionals specialize in home ventilator and trach care for both children and adult patients. With our team of highly qualified and experienced staff members, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the best possible care.

What are the early signs of dementia?

The early signs of dementia can vary from one person to another. They can range from mild forgetfulness to more serious memory loss and cognitive decline. Early signs of dementia may include:

• Asking the same questions repeatedly
• Forgetting familiar words or names
• Taking longer to complete familiar tasks
• Increasing difficulty with planning or solving problems
• Losing track of time or place
• Changes in mood or behavior

Dementia patients require specialized care and attention. If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, Cornerstone Home Health Care Services offers in-home dementia care services in Southwest Florida and the surrounding areas. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals can provide the care and support your loved one needs to age in place safely and comfortably.

Can I select my loved one’s caregiver?

At Cornerstone Home Health Care Services, we understand that entrusting your loved one’s care to someone else is a big decision. That’s why we offer both the patient and their families the opportunity to select a caregiver from our team of highly qualified and experienced professionals. We believe that this level of involvement and control helps to ensure a better match between the patient and their caregiver, which leads to improved care and a better overall experience for everyone involved. We want your family to receive the best home health care service, and we will do everything we can to make sure that you are matched with a caregiver who meets your specific needs and preferences.

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consult Today!

If you want to know how best to maintain your independence or that of your loved one, request a free in-home evaluation. One of our Registered Nurses will visit the home for a personalized care consultation.