Question 1

How much does home care cost in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

The cost of home care in Georgia typically ranges from $25 to $35 per hour, depending on the level of care required, location, and the specific services provided. Dream Living Support Services offers competitive rates and personalized care plans.

Question 2

Is home care cheaper than a nursing home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases, non-medical home care is significantly more affordable than a nursing home or assisted living facility, especially if you only need part-time assistance or specific hourly support.

Question 3

Do you require a minimum number of hours per shift?

Accepted Answer

Most home care agencies, including Dream Living, have a minimum shift requirement (often 4 hours) to ensure caregivers can provide meaningful assistance and maintain consistent scheduling.

Question 4

Are there any hidden fees or setup costs?

Accepted Answer

No. At Dream Living Support Services, we believe in transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees, setup costs, or long-term binding contracts. You only pay for the care you receive.

Question 5

Does the cost increase for weekend or holiday care?

Accepted Answer

Rates may vary slightly for major holidays, as caregivers are paid time-and-a-half for holiday shifts. Weekend rates are typically the same as weekday rates, but this will be clearly outlined in your service agreement.

Question 6

What is Private Pay home care?

Accepted Answer

Private Pay means paying for home care services out-of-pocket using personal funds, savings, pensions, or family contributions, rather than relying on insurance or government programs.

Question 7

What are the benefits of choosing Private Pay?

Accepted Answer

Private Pay offers the most flexibility. You don't need a doctor's order, there's no waiting for insurance approvals, and you have complete control over the schedule and the specific services provided.

Question 8

How do I pay for Private Pay services?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and checks. Invoices are typically sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on your preference.

Question 9

Can family members split the cost of Private Pay care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many families choose to share the cost of care for a loved one. We can set up split billing or accept payments from multiple family members.

Question 10

Is a deposit required for Private Pay care?

Accepted Answer

A standard deposit equivalent to one or two weeks of estimated care is usually required before services begin. This deposit is held in a secure account and applied to your final invoice.

Question 11

Does Long-Term Care Insurance cover home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) policies cover non-medical in-home care, including assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

Question 12

How do I know if my LTCI policy covers your services?

Accepted Answer

Dream Living Support Services provides complimentary benefit verification. We will contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage limits, elimination period, and daily benefit amount.

Question 13

What is an elimination period?

Accepted Answer

An elimination period is the waiting period (often 30 to 90 days) before your LTCI policy begins paying for care. During this time, you must pay for services out-of-pocket.

Question 14

Do you bill my LTCI company directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We handle the complex paperwork. We submit invoices and care notes directly to your LTCI provider through an Assignment of Benefits, so you don't have to wait for reimbursement.

Question 15

What triggers LTCI benefits?

Accepted Answer

Benefits are typically triggered when a doctor certifies that you need assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or require supervision due to a severe cognitive impairment like Alzheimer's.

Question 16

Does the VA pay for home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The VA Community Care Network (CCN) provides in-home care benefits for eligible veterans who need assistance with daily living activities due to age, illness, or injury.

Question 17

Who is eligible for VA home care benefits?

Accepted Answer

Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who meet specific clinical criteria (needing help with ADLs) and have a referral from their VA Primary Care Provider are generally eligible.

Question 18

Is Dream Living a VA-approved provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dream Living Support Services is an approved provider within the VA Community Care Network, authorized to provide non-medical home care to veterans in Georgia.

Question 19

Do veterans have out-of-pocket costs for VA home care?

Accepted Answer

If the care is authorized by the VA through the Community Care Network, the VA covers 100% of the cost. There are typically no out-of-pocket expenses for the veteran.

Question 20

How do I get authorized for VA home care?

Accepted Answer

You must contact your VA Primary Care Provider or VA social worker to request a home care evaluation. Once approved, you can request Dream Living Support Services as your preferred provider.

Question 21

Does Georgia Medicaid cover home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Georgia Medicaid covers non-medical home care through specific waiver programs like CCSP (Community Care Services Program) and SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment).

Question 22

What is the CCSP Medicaid Waiver?

Accepted Answer

The CCSP waiver helps frail, elderly, or disabled individuals remain in their homes by providing personal care services, meal delivery, and respite care as an alternative to a nursing facility.

Question 23

What is the SOURCE Medicaid Waiver?

Accepted Answer

SOURCE is similar to CCSP but is specifically designed for frail elderly and disabled Georgians who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and require a nursing facility level of care.

Question 24

How do I apply for a Georgia Medicaid Waiver?

Accepted Answer

You must contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in your region. They will conduct an initial telephone screening to determine your eligibility for CCSP or SOURCE.

Question 25

Does Dream Living accept Medicaid Waivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dream Living Support Services is an approved provider for Georgia Medicaid Waiver programs, including CCSP and SOURCE.

Question 26

Does traditional Medicare cover non-medical home care?

Accepted Answer

No. Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) only covers skilled medical care (like nursing or physical therapy). It does not cover non-medical personal care or companionship.

Question 27

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover home care?

Accepted Answer

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer 'supplemental benefits' that may include limited hours of non-medical in-home support, such as personal care or light housekeeping.

Question 28

How many hours of care does Medicare Advantage cover?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies widely by plan. It is often limited to a specific number of hours per year (e.g., 20-40 hours) or temporary support following a hospital discharge.

Question 29

How do I check my Medicare Advantage benefits?

Accepted Answer

Contact your insurance provider or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Dream Living can also assist you in verifying if your specific plan includes supplemental home care benefits.

Question 30

What if my Medicare Advantage plan hours run out?

Accepted Answer

Once your authorized hours are exhausted, you can seamlessly transition to Private Pay to continue receiving uninterrupted care from the same caregiver.

Question 31

What is OWCP home care?

Accepted Answer

OWCP (Office of Workers' Compensation Programs) home care provides in-home support services for federal employees and postal workers who have sustained work-related injuries.

Question 32

Does Dream Living accept OWCP claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dream Living Support Services is an enrolled and approved OWCP provider, authorized to deliver non-medical home care to injured federal workers.

Question 33

Do I have to pay for OWCP home care?

Accepted Answer

No. If your claim is accepted and services are authorized by your claims examiner, the Department of Labor covers 100% of the cost. We bill OWCP directly.

Question 34

Do I need a doctor's order for OWCP care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must provide a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or prescription from your treating physician stating that in-home care is required due to your accepted work injury.

Question 35

How do I start OWCP home care services?

Accepted Answer

Contact us with your OWCP claim number and your treating physician's information. We will handle the authorization process with the Department of Labor.

Question 36

How long does insurance verification take?

Accepted Answer

We typically complete benefit verifications within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the responsiveness of your insurance company.

Question 37

Do you charge a fee to verify my insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Benefit verification is a complimentary service we provide to help families understand their coverage options before starting care.

Question 38

Will I receive a detailed invoice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All clients receive a detailed, itemized invoice showing the dates of service, hours worked, caregiver notes, and total charges.

Question 39

What is an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)?

Accepted Answer

An AOB is a document that allows us to bill your insurance company (like LTCI) directly and receive payment on your behalf, saving you from paying upfront and waiting for reimbursement.

Question 40

Can I switch payment methods later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many clients start with Private Pay while waiting for insurance or VA authorizations to process, and then transition to their covered benefits.

Question 41

What is an in-home care assessment?

Accepted Answer

An assessment is a free, no-obligation meeting where our Care Coordinator evaluates the client's needs, home safety, and preferences to develop a personalized care plan.

Question 42

How much does the assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial in-home care assessment is completely free of charge.

Question 43

Who conducts the assessment?

Accepted Answer

Assessments are conducted by our experienced Care Coordinators or a Registered Nurse (RN), depending on the level of care required.

Question 44

How long does an assessment take?

Accepted Answer

A typical assessment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. We want to ensure we thoroughly understand your needs and answer all of your questions.

Question 45

Do I have to sign a contract at the assessment?

Accepted Answer

No. While we can begin the onboarding process if you are ready, there is no pressure to sign a service agreement during the initial assessment.

Question 46

How fast can care start?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, we can start care within 24 to 48 hours after the initial assessment. In emergencies or hospital discharges, we can often expedite the process.

Question 47

Can I choose my caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We use a detailed matching process based on personality, skills, and preferences. If you feel a caregiver isn't the right fit, we will gladly provide a replacement.

Question 48

What happens if my caregiver is sick?

Accepted Answer

Dream Living Support Services has a robust backup system. If your regular caregiver is unavailable, we will send a qualified, fully briefed substitute caregiver so your care is never interrupted.

Question 49

Do you provide 24/7 or live-in care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both 24/7 awake care (multiple caregivers working shifts) and live-in care to ensure round-the-clock safety and support.

Question 50

Can I change my care schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require a minimum notice (usually 24-48 hours) to adjust schedules without penalty, allowing you flexibility as your needs change.

Home Care Payment
Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Home Care

Private Pay

Long-Term Care Insurance

VA Community Care

Medicaid Waiver Programs

Medicare Advantage

OWCP / Federal Workers

Insurance Verification & Billing

Care Assessments

Scheduling & Caregivers

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Home Care PaymentFrequently Asked Questions