Supporting Your Loved One While Protecting Your Own Well-Being

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Caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Harbor & Haven Home Care, LLC provides non-medical in-home care and respite support to help individuals remain safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible in their homes.

This guide provides general information to help families understand what to consider when arranging care.

Understanding Non-Medical Home Care

Non-medical home care may assist with everyday activities such as:

• Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and other personal-care activities
• Mobility and assistance with activities of daily living
• Companionship and supervision
• Meal-related assistance
• Light household tasks related to the client’s care
• Respite for unpaid family caregivers
• Other non-medical services included in the client’s authorized or agreed-upon plan of care

Harbor & Haven does not replace physicians, nurses, therapists, emergency medical services, or other licensed health-care professionals.

Know Your Loved One’s Care Plan

Before services begin, families should understand:

• What assistance is needed
• Which services are being provided
• How frequently services will occur
• What tasks the caregiver is permitted to perform
• Who to contact with questions or concerns
• How changes in the client’s condition should be reported

For personal-care services provided by a Virginia-licensed home care organization, Virginia regulations require an appropriate plan of services and RN oversight. (Virginia Law)

Choose Qualified Caregivers

Families should expect caregivers to receive appropriate training and to be qualified for the services they perform. Virginia regulations require home-care organizations to use qualified personnel and maintain processes for verifying professional credentials when applicable. (Virginia Law)

Harbor & Haven encourages clients and families to ask questions about caregiver qualifications, training, supervision, and the services the caregiver is authorized to provide.

Protect Your Loved One

Every client has the right to dignity, privacy, respectful treatment, participation in care planning, and freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Virginia regulations also provide clients with the right to voice complaints without fear of retaliation. (Virginia Law)

Contact Harbor & Haven promptly if you notice:

• An unexplained injury or significant change in condition
• Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Missing medications, money, or personal property
• A caregiver repeatedly missing scheduled visits
• Concerns about the quality or safety of services

For a medical emergency, call 911.

Family Caregiver Self-Care Matters

Family caregivers need support too. Consider arranging respite care when you need time to:

• Rest and recharge
• Attend appointments
• Work or manage personal responsibilities
• Spend time with other family members
• Take a temporary break from caregiving

Asking for help is not a failure—it can be an important part of maintaining sustainable care at home.

Payment & Coverage

Depending on eligibility and authorization, home-care services may be paid through private pay, Medicaid, certain Veteran/VA programs, or other applicable sources. Coverage is not automatic. Families should verify eligibility, authorization, covered services, provider requirements, and any client responsibility before services begin.

When Your Loved One’s Needs Change

Care needs can change over time. Notify Harbor & Haven when there is a significant change in your loved one’s condition, abilities, behavior, safety needs, or living situation. The appropriate care team can determine whether the existing services remain appropriate.

Need Help Getting Started?

Harbor & Haven Home Care is here to help families understand their non-medical home-care and respite options and determine the appropriate next step.

Serving Stafford County and Northern Virginia.

This guide is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical, legal, or benefits advice. Services are subject to applicable Virginia requirements, client needs, service agreements, and payer authorization where applicable.