Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A Better Choice Home Care ME. offers personalized services seven days a week throughout many counties in Maine. Read the answers to FAQs, and contact us in Windsor if you have further inquiries or concerns.
Q: Is A Better Choice Home Care. registered with the state to be a personal support agency?
A: Yes, we have been fully registered and insured since 2002.
Q: Does the agency conduct background checks on all employees?
A: Yes, we do a complete criminal background check and search driving records.
Q: Do the staff have the training and certification they need to care for consumers in their homes?
A. All our staff is required to take a 50-hour course and training. A competency exam is also conducted to assure each member is trained and has the knowledge needed to complete certain tasks.
Q: Can we pay for services through a credit card?
A: Yes, we take credit card payments.
Q: Is A Better Choice Home Care. insured?
A: Yes, we have professional and general liability insurance.
Q: Am I ready for assistance?
A: A Better Choice Home Care. is dedicated to assisting older adults in living independently, comfortably, and safe. Please take our Self-Evaluation Survey below to identify if you are ready to receive assistance.
Self-Evaluation Survey
Self-Evaluation Survey
When answering the questions, keep in mind that it is important to be honest about your changing behaviors and habits. Make some notes. We encourage you to be open and honest with yourself and your family about your abilities. We are happy to talk with you about your options for assistance now or in the future.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Have you noticed that you are gaining or losing weight?
- Are you skipping meals?
- Are you eating balanced meals?
- Is food in the refrigerator spoiling before it is used?
- Are there any issues or challenges for getting fresh food?
- Are you preparing your own meals?
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Hygiene and Cleanliness
- Are you wearing clean clothes?
- Have you been bathing regularly?
- Have you been grooming? Getting dental care? Have you been shaving?
- Are you maintaining regular visits to the barbershop or beauty salon?
- Are you keeping up with your nail care?
Homemaking
Homemaking
- Are the dishes being done?
- Are the kitchen counters, floor, refrigerator, and stove clean?
- Is the bathroom being maintained?
- Is there increased clutter in your home?
- Is your home being regularly dusted and vacuumed?
- Does your home smell fresh?
- Is the garbage removed regularly?
Driving*
Driving*
- Is your car being maintained?
- Have you dented or scratched your car?
- When was the last time you had an objective passenger?
- Do you sometimes drive too fast or too slow?
- Are you using turn signals properly?
- Do you sometimes hesitate when entering/exiting the highway or changing lanes?
- Are you challenged by highway speeds?
- Do you ever become confused or hesitated in routine traffic situations such as a four-way stop?
- Have you ever confused the gas pedal for the brake pedal?
- Have you had slow or inappropriate responses to pedestrians, bicycles, or other vehicles?
- Have other drivers honked at you?
*Driving Safely Information From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Medication
Medication
- Do you understand what all your medications are and the reasons these medications are prescribed?
- Are you taking medications in the right dosage and at the right time?
- Is there an excess of unused and expired medication in the medicine cabinet?
Balance
Balance
- Have you noticed a change in your gait?
- Do you sometimes stumble or drag your feet?
- Are changes in floor level causing you difficulty?
- Are you struggling to get in and out of chairs or beds?
- Have you taken a fall?
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive Abilities
- Have you noticed that you sometimes answer questions inappropriately?
- Do you sometimes have trouble understanding when people speak to you?
- Are you aware of the day, date, and time?
- Are you sometimes forgetting small details like where you left the car keys?
- Are you having lapses in judgment like wearing shorts in the winter?
- Are you having trouble completing tasks? For instance, do you get distracted while doing the dishes, then return to the dishes later or forget about them?
- Have you noticed any changes in your mood?
- Do you seem to anger more quickly?
Depression
Depression
- Are you sleeping a lot more or less than usual?
- Have you lost interest in activities you usually enjoy?
- Do you get dressed every day?
- Have you experienced a loss (spouse, friend, relative, or job)?
Medical Issues
Medical Issues
- Are you facing any new or chronic health issues?
- Have you noticed any changes in your eyesight or hearing?
- Could you be experiencing any dental issues?
- Are you dealing with chronic pain?
- Are your annual physical exams being maintained?
Financial Responsibility
Financial Responsibility
- Are you paying the bills on time?
- Does the checkbook balance at the end of the month?
- Are you spending money on things you usually would not?
- Can you account for your money?
- Is there unopened mail in your home?
Security
Security
- Do you remember to lock the doors and windows?
- Is there a security system in place at your home?
- Do you have easy access to immediate help if the need arises?
- Are you vulnerable to telephone solicitation?
Socializing
Socializing
- Are you staying in contact with family or friends?
- Have you stopped or reduced church attendance?
- Do you belong to any social groups or organizations?
If you observe a noticeable change in your behavior and habits, talk to your family about what you have noticed. Do not jump to conclusions. It may be beneficial to get your physician involved.
Think about choosing A Better Choice Home Care. We can assist you with care visits, from 1 to 24 hours and with activities to keep you comfortable and safe. A Better Choice Home Care's Director is happy to visit you to talk about how our living assistance options may be able to assist you in your goals to remain independent, safe, and living confidently.