Home Care FAQs:
In making any decision regarding a loved one’s care, you must weigh all the options to conclude in the best care plan possible. While it can be seen as a daunting task, Master care strives to put you at ease, helping to relieve the burden with our wide range of services. We understand that everyone is different, thus each care plan is carefully crafted with the care recipients best interests.
What makes Mastercare different from all the others?
At Mastercare, all of our employees, both medical and non-medical, have made a commitment to dedicate themselves to customer service and the utmost quality of Healthcare staffing. We are always available to provide services for you.
What exactly is Home Care?
Home care refers to the health and non-medical care at the home of the recipient. These services can be used in many different cases such as disabilities, recovering from illness or injury or terminal illnesses. Mastercare’s home care staff are available for medical, nursing and therapy assistance as well as assistance with many day-to-day activities (for a list of examples, please click here).
How quickly can services be provided?
In most cases, full services can go into effect within 48 hours. However, depending on the case at hand and the staff availability, services may be able to be provided that day.
When are Home services needed?
These services are needed when an individual’s care needs cannot be met at the hands of family and friends and when the comforts of home are chosen over the costly hospital stay.
With the growing population of the elderly in America, more and more families and individuals are seeking Home Care service professionals to help in assistance of daily tasks. These are the tasks that continue to make independent life a possibility. Some of these tasks are bathing, grooming, dressing, food preparation and light housework and maintenance (for a complete list of examples, please click here). Another important choice one can be faced with is the time length for services. Our professionals are available for any time commitment necessary to maintain the patient’s health status, whether a few hours a week to permanent long time care.
How are the services paid for?
There are different answers for this question which should be discussed when deciding if Home Health Care is the right option for you. In some instances, insurance will cover a portion of the cost. However, depending on the insurance, the individual or family may be responsible for entire bill. This will all be discussed in the initial meeting with Mastercare. Insurance benefits vary from company to company so it is in your best interest to contact a representative at the insurance company to ensure that the policy and benefits are understood. However, Mastercare may be able to provide assistance to determine the benefits and patient’s financial responsibility.
Comparative to the other options, how does this rank financially?
In this economy we are all ever mindful at how we spend our hard-earned dollars. While there are a few options to explore, the home healthcare option is the most cost efficient. Assisted living facilities and nursing home costs are about double the cost of Home Healthcare.
Will there be a set schedule or is there flexibility in scheduling?
At Mastercare we understand that life happens. We want to make your experience with us as easy and stress free as possible. Depending on the case requirements, we can easily make changes with only a week’s notice.
Who chooses which services will be provided?
We are here for you, to meet your needs. While we do promise to provide all the services we have listed, we may be able to help even more. If you do not see something on the list, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate all of your Home Healthcare needs.
Do I have a say in my caregiver/professional or will the case just be matched with needs and skills?
You will always have a choice! Once we have identified your needs and matched your case with a caregiver/professional with similar skills, a meeting will be arranged. If you approve of the selected caregiver/professional then your schedule will be set up.
What happens if the professional does not show up on time or becomes inconsistent with scheduling?
At Mastercare we take out staffing responsibilities extremely seriously. Your medical care depends on our services. If one of our professionals is late (without proper notice or without circumstances beyond their control) we will take the measures to ensure that this will happen again. A new professional may be temporarily assigned to the case until a permanent match can be set up for you or your loved one
What is to be expected?
To ensure that all needs are met with our services, here are a few pointers to assist our professionals:
1. Give the professionals a tour of the home.
2. Explain where all exits and bathrooms are.
3. Tell the professional know of any patient allergies and any other helpful information.
4. Show the professional where the medication is kept, and if it needs to be out of patient’s reach
5. Have all medical information in a communication folder for the professional (must include physicians contact information as well emergency contact information.
Healthcare FAQs:
Home Healthcare is a great way for you or your loved one to receive the best quality treatment at home. Whether you are recuperating from injury or illness or suffer a debilitating disease, we can be there to help. We are a dedicated non-medical and medical professional staffing agency that can place professionals in your home to assist you. Along with your attending physician we will create and implement a Care Plan tailored to your specific needs.
What makes Mastercare different from all the others?
At Mastercare, all of our employees, both medical and non-medical, have made a commitment to dedicate themselves to customer service and the utmost quality of Healthcare staffing. We are always available to provide services for you.
What is Home Healthcare?
Home Healthcare services are medical services that can be provided in the comfort of the patient’s home instead of at a healthcare facility like a hospital or clinic. It eases the patient, thus yielding in exceptional results.
How do I know Home Healthcare is the best option?
It has been proven that Home Healthcare is the most cost efficient alternative to inpatient care. It is clinically effective and patients are able to relax in the comforts of their own homes. Also, the patient will be with a professional staff member for scheduled one-on-one care; thus leaves the busy hospital atmosphere. It can also increase positive outcomes for the patients and the family members alike.
How quickly can services be provided?
In most cases, full services can go into effect within 48 hours. However, depending on the case at hand and the staff availability, services may be able to be provided that day.
Which kinds of Healthcare professionals does Mastercare hire/represent?
Mastercare hires only the highest quality of trained professionals in the following areas:
· Homemakers /Companions (“Caregivers”)
· Home Health Aids
· Certified Nursing Assistants (CAN)
· Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
· Registered Nurse (RN)
· Therapists
· Physicians
What happens if the professional does not show up on time or becomes inconsistent with scheduling?
At Mastercare we take out staffing responsibilities extremely seriously. Your medical care depends on our services. If one of our professionals is late (without proper notice or without circumstances beyond their control) we will take the measures to ensure that this will happen again. A new professional may be temporarily assigned to the case until a permanent match can be set up for you or your loved one.
What types of background checks / verification checks does Mastercare perform on its staff members?
· Current Education verification
· License Verification
· Caregivers – Professional & Experienced
· Criminal and Background check
· Agency bonded & insured
When are Home Healthcare services needed?
These services are needed when an individual’s medical needs cannot be met at the hands of family and friends and when the comforts of home are chosen over the costly hospital stay. Our professionals are available for any time commitment necessary to maintain the patient’s health status, whether a few hours a week to permanent long time care. There are many services that are available under the Home Healthcare umbrella (for a complete list click here). The provided services are those which require medical certification or licensure.
How are the services paid for?
There are different answers for this question which should be discussed when deciding if Home Health Care is the right option for you. In some instances, insurance will cover a portion of the cost. However, depending on the insurance, the individual or family may be responsible for entire bill. This will all be discussed in the initial meeting with Mastercare. Insurance benefits vary from company to company so it is in your best interest to contact a representative at the insurance company to ensure that the policy and benefits are understood. However, Mastercare may be able to provide assistance to determine the benefits and patient’s financial responsibility.
Will there be a set schedule or is there flexibility in scheduling?
At Mastercare we understand that life happens. We want to make your experience with us as easy and stress free as possible. Depending on the case requirements, we can easily make changes with only a week’s notice.
Who chooses which services will be provided?
We are here for you, to meet your needs. While we do promise to provide all the services we have listed, we may be able to help even more. If you do not see something on the list, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate all of your Home Healthcare needs. Also the provided services will be according to the Care Plan that was created with the assistance of the attending physician.
Do I have a say in my professional or will the case just be matched with needs and skills?
You will always have a choice! Once we have identified your needs and matched your case with a professional with the needed skills, a meeting will be arranged. If you approve of the selected professional then your schedule will be set up.
What happens if the professional does not show up on time or becomes inconsistent with scheduling?
At Mastercare we take out staffing responsibilities extremely seriously. Your medical care depends on our services. If one of our professionals is late (without proper notice or without circumstances beyond their control) we will take the measures to ensure that this will happen again. A new professional may be temporarily assigned to the case until a permanent match can be set up for you or your loved one.
What is to be expected?
To ensure that all needs are met with our services, here are a few pointers to assist our professionals:
1. Give the professionals a tour of the home.
2. Explain where all exits and bathrooms are.
3. Tell the professional know of any patient allergies and any other helpful information.
4. Show the professional where the medication is kept, and if it needs to be out of reach
5. Have all medical information in a communication folder for the professional (must include physicians contact information as well emergency contact information
Nurse Staffing FAQs:
Mastercare is ready to handle all of your staffing needs. We have a wide variety of healthcare professionals ready and willing to work with you! With these professionals come many different specialties throughout the healthcare industry. Our nurse staffing program will help you to keep costs down while being able to prepare for staffing changes and meet your everyday needs.
What makes Mastercare different from all the others?
At Mastercare, all of our employees, both medical and non-medical, have made a commitment to dedicate themselves to customer service and the utmost quality of Healthcare staffing. We are always available to provide services for you.
What kinds of nurses do you have available for staffing?
To suit all of your staffing needs, Mastercare has the following nursing professionals available:
· Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
· Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
· Registered Nurse (RN)
What time increments do our services come in?
We understand that needs can change at a moment’s notice. We are your reliable back up plan. We offer services in all time increments:
· Temporary Assignments
· Temporary to Direct placement
· Contract Assignments
· Permanent Placement
· Travel Assignments
What types of medical facilities do we staff?
· Hospitals
· Clinics
· Long Term Care Centers
· Emergency Rooms
· Schools
· Prisons
What makes Mastercare different from all the others?
At Mastercare, all of our employees, both medical and non-medical, have made a commitment to dedicate themselves to customer service and the utmost quality of Healthcare staffing. We are always available to provide services for you.
How quickly can services be provided?
In most cases, full services can go into effect within 48 hours. However, depending on the case at hand and the staff availability, services may be able to be provided that day.
What happens if the professional does not show up on time or becomes inconsistent with scheduling?
At Mastercare we take out staffing responsibilities extremely seriously. Your medical care depends on our services. If one of our professionals is late (without proper notice or without circumstances beyond their control) we will take the measures to ensure that this will happen again. A new professional may be temporarily assigned to the case until a permanent match can be set up.
What types of background checks / verification checks does Mastercare perform on its staff members?
· Current Education verification
· License Verification
· Caregivers – Professional & Experienced
· Criminal and Background check
· Agency bonded & insured
Traveling Nurse FAQs:
What training, degrees and documentation does Mastercare require of Traveling Nurses?
To enter into Mastercare’s Traveling Nurse Program, you must have a) graduated from an accredited nursing program in the United States b) provide proof of graduation with a license or the proper certification and c)provide proof of the right to work in the United States.
Does Mastercare have a minimum experience requirement for the traveling positions?
Normally a minimum of 18 months experience before beginning travel work.
What qualities does Mastercare look for in a Traveling Nurse?
When selecting candidates, it is our policy to look for a few personality traits when interviewing. Candidate must be able to maintain a flexible, easy going lifestyle with excellent clinical skills, as this position entails moving and quick acclamation in the new settings.
How/why will this benefit me?
This will look great on any resume! It shows your dedication to nursing and the flexibleness at which you are willing to work. It is an appreciated profession that many are unable to do. When applying for a more permanent position, this can only strengthen your chances!
What is important when looking for a Traveling Nurse position?
There are many things that you should consider when looking for a position. The most important thing that you need to do is choosing the company that will best suit your needs. It is important to remember that every company will be run a little differently and every company may not offer the same benefits and incentives. Also factoring in your decision, should be the length of the company’s typical assignments and the pay rate. Again, all of the companies are operated differently; it is in your best interest to do your homework to find a company that would be the best fit, for you and the company.
How are “assignments” given? Do I have a choice?
Assignments are given based on the details that were discussed with the recruiter. You are in control of your future! In the interviews with the recruiter you will be able to discuss all of the important aspects of your assignments from location, facility and clinical setting to any other details that are important
How far do/can I go?
The amazing thing about traveling nursing is that you can go as far away as YOU want! With that said, you can also stay as close as you want depending on the availability of assignments.
When will I be able to accept my first assignment?
This is another aspect that is entirely up to you. It’s another great perk in traveling. Once the application is received, processed and all background information/degrees and certificates have been confirmed, you can be given to the facilities as a possible candidate. However, if you feel that you need a little more time to start, that is perfectly fine.
Will I need to be licensed in each state that I will be working in?
As you know, every state has different or specific licensing requirements and rules regarding traveling nurses. Part of Mastercare’s responsibility is to ensure that you have all of the proper documents and certifications for out of state facilities. Never the less, all of the necessary licenses will be obtained well before the start date.
With this position, what does full time entail?
As with any other company, full time entails a 40 hour work week when working shifts of8 -10 hours. But, if working in 12 hour increments, a 36 hour work week is also considered full time.
How will I be able to tend to personal business such as banking and my mail?
There are a couple different ways that you can go about this. While we will not tell you what to do, we can offer some suggestions to make it easier. Banking can be taken care of the option of direct deposit. Also, you will be able to check your account balance and transaction history (as long as your bank offers these services) with an internet connection. Mail could be forwarded each time that you move, you could have a permanent address with a friend or family (and have them forward all mail to you) or have a private post office box having the contents forwarded on a predetermined basis.
Am I able to work at all different types of hospitals?
Yes, when meeting with the recruiter, you will be able to discuss all of your preferences (which you may change at any time). However, you can still be considered for position at all of the different types of facilities.
Will there be an orientation at all of the different facilities?
All facilities are different, with that; all facilities will choose to orient traveling nurses differently. This is also dependent on the facility size and their procedure with permanent positions. Your recruiter will also be able to provide you information on the facility. This is also a topic that should be discussed in your interview with the company.
Would it be difficult to change companies, or is there a contract?
There is a not a contract. We want what is best for you. The contractual relationship with your company is operated on an assignment basis.
What will I get paid?
Your pay rate will be dependent on the following criteria: location, education / specialty and facility. Generally, the RN pay scale can be up to $40/hour whereas the LPN surgical technologists and respiratory therapists are usually up to $28/hour. Also many hospitals may offer completion and sign on bonuses.
What benefits will I be entitled to?
Many of the travel companies offer full health care with individual plans available for dental and eye. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the benefit plan before consenting to an assignment.
Is there a 401K plan available?
401K plans are available to all employees. However, there may not be immediate eligibility and the company may set forth a waiting period before the funds will be matched.
Can I earn a bonus?
Yes! Many companies will offer bonuses upon the completion of an assignment. Also in some cases, sign on bonuses and tenure bonuses may be given. Please talk to your recruiter for complete details.
Is my travel reimbursed or it is flatly included in my pay?
Normally travel is reimbursed (from the traveling company to the traveling nurse) with a rate at $0.30/mile. And, it is tax free!
Can I expect any assistance in continuing education?
Most of the companies offer some type of continuing education program. While the medical field is advancing every day, traveling companies want to provide the best, well trained professionals as possible.
Will living accommodation arrangements be made for me?
Either the arrangements can be made for you or you can make your own. If the arrangements are made for you, normally workers will share a two bedroom two bath apartment close to the hospital. It will be fully furnished with all of the utilities set up prior to your arrival. The utilities will be paid for by the traveling company. However the accommodations will differ depending on location.
If I chose to find my own housing am I eligible for a housing stipend?
Yes, if you chose to find your own location you will be granted a stipend. This option, however needs to be discussed prior to accepting an assignment to ensure that suitable living quarters will be found.
Do I have to travel alone? Can I bring family or friends?
You can travel with friends or family! The only requirement is to let your recruiter know a head of time so that the proper living arrangements may be made.
Is it possible to take an assignment with a friend?
Yes it is. You can take assignments at the same location or in close proximity. Also with the living arrangements made by the company, it is quite possible to that you will be able to live together.
Are pets allowed?
Another perk of the job! You may take your pets with you as you travel. However you will need to ensure that all of their shots are up to date. Also, the recruiter must be informed so that the proper housing arrangements can be made. If the living arrangements require a pet security deposit, you will be responsible for paying.