Marquis at Home

What to Look For

Selecting a Marquis at Home provider is a much more challenging process. There is a large range of experience, and professionalism. Choose wisely.

 Here are a few insights to help guide your decision-making.

• Is the home care agency licensed by the State of Oregon? The State Health Department requires that home care agencies follow a strict set of standards to ensure that clients are provided appropriate care in a manner that promotes their health, safety and well-being. We are fully licensed by the State of Oregon.
• Is the agency bonded and insured? “Bonded” means the home care agency offers protection to the client if a caregiver steals from a client. “Insured” means the agency carries liability coverage for personal injuries and property damage, as well as workers’ compensation insurance. But don’t just take an agency’s word that they’re “bonded and insured”. Ask to see documentation verifying the exact kind of coverage and what it means to you as a customer. We are bonded and insured and would be happy to give you more information.
• How does the agency screen potential employees? Before allowing anyone access to your home, demand a background check. We thoroughly interview each candidate before assigning any caregiver to a client. A physical skills test and a criminal history check through the Department of Human Services and/or the Oregon State Police database is completed on each applicant.
• Are the caregivers experienced? Make sure your home care agency employs only qualified, experienced caregivers. Adams & Gray Home Care requires each new employee to have at least 6 months of verifiable home care experience before being assigned to a client.
• How does the agency train their staff? Your home care agency should provide on-going training to keep caregivers up to date and proficient on skills needed to care for others. We provide an extensive in-office orientation program for all personal care assistants along with standardized, hands-on training, including classes on fall prevention, infection control, personal care and managing medications.
• Does the agency schedule around you? Some agencies have set times that caregivers are available. Ask if they are flexible when it comes to your schedule. We recognize and encourage activities outside of the home; we work around your social calendar.
• Does the agency have a live person on-call 24 hours? Nothing is more frustrating than having a problem and calling your home care agency, only to find an answering machine. When you need help and answers, you should insist that your home care agency is available night and day. We have a real, live person who can get you the answers you need, when you need them.
• Does the agency have 24-hour RN supervision? If you have an emergency or even just a question at any time of the day, it’s important that your home care agency has a Registered Nurse on call 24 hours a day to answer your questions and get you the help you need. Adams & Gray Home Care has a staff of experienced nurses that assure each day, night and weekend has full coverage.
• Will the home care agency bill supplemental insurance companies? Find out if billing is handled by the home care agency or if it is entirely your responsibility to submit claims. In addition, it’s important to contact your insurance company and ask what they require from the home care agency for payment. We regularly bill health insurance companies for clients who have policies that cover in-home care, including Cigna, Bankers Life and Casualties, C.N.A, Conseco, and more.