1) How long has your company been in business?

Trustworthy Staffing Solutions started its business in 2005. It is owned and operated by a registered nurse of 30 years. There are a lot of new companies entering the marketplace, many of which have little experience or expertises in the special challenges of running a successful home care company. The office staff cannot be relied upon like well-established companies because they experience a high turnover rate.

2) Are your workers bonded and insured?

Trustworthy Staffing Solutions have extensive insurance, including Professional and General Liability, Non-Owned Auto, a Dishonesty Bond, and Worker's Compensation policies. Few people don't like to think about accidents or possible problems at the outset of retaining help, but the fact is many people get into accidents every day, such as car accidents, sprained backs, twisted ankles, etc. Also, from time to time, important things in a client's home can be damaged or disappear through a caregiver's negligence or dishonesty. Believe it or not there are some companies that have minimal insurance coverage and others who have none.

3) How extensive are your criminal and background checks?

As you know, there are many of unscrupulous people looking for work. You don't want them in your facility, home or in the home of someone you love or care about. Trustworthy Staffing Solutions requires that all applicants get fingerprinted through the Maryland State Criminal Justice Investigation System, prior to being employed. We have an agreement with the State. All results are sent directly to our office. CJIS will supply us with any updates on new arrest, charges and/or convictions.

4) Does your company have a Licensed Vocational Nurse or RN on staff?

Our agency have a licensed nurse on staff to assure that proper protocol is being followed in the care of a client. A trained nurse can help a caregiver identify safety hazards, recognize symptoms, observe special diets, familiarize them with infection control procedures and universal precautions, establish hygiene standards, and more. We have wonderful licensed nurses on staff that go the extra mile to provide quality assurance to the services their caregivers provide.

5) How do you select your employees?

We have minimum requirements for years of experience and levels of certification. Trustworthy Staffing Solutions will even take into consideration such factors as demeanor and professionalism, weeding out the unacceptable workers so you don't have to. To ensure clinical competency; we require our staff to make a minimum of 75% of our competency exams.
6) Can you send me information describing your services and fees?

Trustworthy Staffing Solutions have materials and handouts to help you compare our services to those of other agencies, and provide useful details about our service. More than likely, an agency that sends you detailed, carefully considered materials for your review has also gone the extra mile in other aspects of its business.

7) What is the company's replacement policy or guarantee?

If you want to avoid getting caregiver that you feel uneasy about, ask about the company's replacement or guarantee policy. Trustworthy Staffing Solutions will give you as many replacements as needed whenever needed without limitation. To avoid getting "bad' help our personalized screening system is designed to maximize your peace of mind. You'll have the opportunity to interview any caregiver that we refer to you. We let you choose the caregiver you trust.
8) What are your financial procedures? Are your rates negotiable?

We have a fixed cost incorporated into our quoted rates. However, we realize that not all clients have the same ability to pay. We do accept some insurances companies and providers of long term care insurance. We can also refer you to one of the grant funded programs that we service. We currently work with federally funded programs in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County. To qualify for one of the programs may vary, but is based upon your residence and income.
9) Would you mind providing me with references?

Yes, we can provide you with a list of agency clients to discuss the services they're getting. We suggest you talk with clients who have had a long history with our agency so that you can get a good sense of how we do business and what you can expect.

10) Can we set up a time to meet to discuss the details of my care needs?

It's always a good idea to meet the Agency's principal(s) or representative(s) and to see their setting if possible. It's also good to have them come over to your place so that you can meet them at your convenience. The administrator, Pamela McMichael, would love to schedule a meet and greet at your home or our office.

11) How soon can you place a caregiver?

This will depend upon the availability of staff. We work hard to finding qualified available staff to support your schedule.

12) What services do you provide?

Non-medical personal care, Chore service and Companion Care.

13) Do you take Medicare or Medicaid? Or both?

Medicare is not accepted for non-medical personal care. We do provide service to clients approved on the following Maryland State Medicaid Programs:

• Community First Choice (CFC)
• Community Options Waiver (CO)
• Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)

A physician's referral is not required for non-medical personal care, companion care or chore service.

14) Do you have a minimum days per week? Minimum hours per day?

Yes, there is a 4-hour shift requirement.

15) Are your caregivers trained to handle tough clients? What kind of training and continuing education does this in-home care agency provide to your caregivers?

You would need to further explain "tough client" Our in-house training is done on a regular basis to keep abreast with changing trends and skills in the nursing field. Our staff are required to complete our annual competency training exams. Which include the following:

• Caregiver Roles
• Elder Abuse and Neglect
• Falls Preventions
• Fire Safety
• HIPPA training
• Infection Control

In addition, each caregiver must have an active certification for Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aide and AED training. Any CMT (certified medicine tech) must complete bi-annual re-certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.

16) If the caregiver does not work out, what do you do to find a replacement?

Our staffing coordinator will assist with finding a replacement. You'll have the opportunity to interview any caregiver that we refer to you.

17) Are there any laws against caregivers who ask client for money? Who in the government can I report this to?

We have a written policy that is signed by each employee: Never borrow money from a client for any reason. This is a serious offense and disciplinary action will be taken which may lead up to and include termination. If money or any personal item are stolen or taken from a client, I would suggest reporting to the Police. Trustworthy Staffing Solutions carries a Dishonesty Bond up to $100,000.

18) Who should I contact with questions about my caregivers?

Our staffing coordinator or anyone in the office.

19) Do we tip the caregiver?

No

20) What if my caregiver does not show up for a scheduled shift?

Caregivers are required to send a written notice to our office requesting time off via our company portal. If the caregiver is a "no show no call", the agency will do its best to find a qualified replacement.

21) Who will I meet at the initial in-home care assessment?

The owner (RN) or agency client care coordinator

22) How do you find and recruit quality caregivers?

Job fairs, word-of-mouth, and job sites such as Indeed and Carelistings.

23) Can I talk to any of your current clients? Or references?

Yes

24) Can the caregiver go to an appointment with him?

Yes, the caregiver can escort the client to an appointment via mobility transportation or taxi. Our policy prevents them from driving the client in their personal vehicle.