FAQ's
Frequently Asked
Questions
Your peace of mind is essential when making a decision
about care for a loved one. Here are some recommended questions
for any company or individuals you are considering to provide
care giving services. For your convenience we have included
Superior Geriatric Services answers to these questions and
some helpful websites.
1.
How long has the agency been in business?
2. How is the caregiver staff screened and managed?
3. Does the company or agency withhold employment taxes
or will I be responsible?
4. Are there any other advantages to using a licensed agency
rather than hiring a caregiver directly?
5.
Can I change or discontinue service, ask for a different
caregiver and what is the charge for making a change?
6.
What about security?
1.
How long has the agency been in business?
Superior Geriatric Services has been providing care to Houston
area clients since 2005.
SGS is a licensed Personal Assistance Services
agency in good standing with the Texas Department of Aging
and Disability Services. SGS is committed to operate according
to the highest ethical standards.
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2.
How is the caregiver staff screened and managed?
In compliance with Texas state law we do a criminal background
check, nurse aide registry trace (where applicable) and employee
misconduct registry trace on each applicant. Everyone goes
through a thorough personal interview and skills evaluation.
All care givers records are retained with the caregiver’s
employment application, resume, reference checks and work
history verification. Employees are supervised regularly while
on an assignment for optimum care results.
Of major importance to SGS and our clients
is that caregivers demonstrate a heart for caregiving, compassion,
and empathy for the clients they will serve.
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3.
Does the company or agency withhold employment taxes or will
I be responsible?
All caregivers are employees of SGS and we file all applicable
federal and state taxes and paperwork.
Some agencies and registries treat their
caregivers as contract labor which puts the burden of paying
payroll taxes and filing paperwork on the shoulders of the
client. When a client hires an individual as a caregiver,
the client takes on the 'employer' designation and is also
responsible for taxes and paperwork.
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4.
Are there any other advantages to using a licensed agency
rather than hiring a caregiver directly?
In addition to the agency services mentioned in the previous
answers, accountability and supervision are key advantages
to using a licensed agency.
While there are some wonderful independent
caregivers, an agency provides the security of a qualified
back up staff in case a caregiver experiences a personal emergency,
sickness or family problem. An agency also acts as a "buffer"
between the client and caregiver; we handle any unpleasant
chore or problem without disrupting the care of the client.
A licensed agency has the following responsibilities:
• Schedules caregivers according to the wishes of the
client.
• Keeps close track of hours worked.
• Is accountable for the services provided, not just
to the client but also to the state regulatory department.
• Supervises caregivers in their job duties.
• Provides on the job training when needed.
• Monitors the continuing education credits and courses
employees are required to complete annually.
• Pays federal and social security taxes and worker
unemployment compensation, taking this task off the shoulders
of the client and their family.
• Files all required paperwork with the government.
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5.
Can I change or discontinue service, ask for a different caregiver
and what is the charge for making a change?
You may select the days and times that you prefer service.
We can provide up to 24 hrs. per day care, 7 days per week
if necessary. As the client's needs change we will gladly
accommodate those changes. We can increase or decrease care
and will provide an alternate caregiver if desired. We require
no contract and services may be changed or terminated with
no additional charge incurred.
An agency supervisor is available 24/7 for
emergencies or changes in schedules.
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6.
What about security?
The majority of our employees have worked with SGS for years.
Those suspected of a violation of our high standards of operation
or ethics will be disciplined or terminated and another caregiver
will be assigned immediately. Superior Geriatric Services
is a licensed, insured & bonded agency.
Superior Geriatric Services will happily
provide references upon request with the written consent of
our clients and/or their family.
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You
can trust Superior Geriatric Services
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