resources

faqFrequently Asked Questions

What services do you provide?
Who pays for services?
What if I have a long-term care insurance policy?
What does home care cost?
Can you help me determine what kind of care is needed?
How quickly can you provide services?
When are caregivers available?
Can I change the schedule of care?
Will I have the same caregiver every time?
What if I have an emergency at night or on the weekend?

Q. What services do you provide?

A. Visiting Nurse Plus provides a complete array of in-home services, including the Philips Lifeline medical alert system, housekeeping (including laundry, meal preparation and errands), companion care, personal care assistance, respite relief for family caregivers, short- and long-term physician-ordered nursing services, and more. Click here for detailed information on each of our services.

Back to top

Q. Who pays for services?

A. VNP offers services that are paid for privately and services that are covered by some state and federal assistance programs. Due to governmental regulations, VNP services are not eligible for coverage by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance; the exception is that some long term care insurance polices may pay for non-medical home care services. We work with long term care insurance plans and also veterans benefit programs to assist you in obtaining reimbursement for services.

VNP staff can answer your questions regarding private pay services; for questions about government funded programs, please call the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA) at (812) 462-7800 or toll free (800) 253-2188 or visit the Links section of this website.

Back to top

Q. What if I have a long-term care insurance policy?

A.  Some long-term care insurance policies provide coverage for home care and home health services. However, every policy is different and must be closely scrutinized to determine what services are eligible, the type of caregiver that must provide them, the elimination period for coverage and more. VNP staff can assist you in reviewing your policy and helping you submit claims to your insurance provider. Regardless of the type of policy you have and its provisions for payment, you will be required to pay all charges billed to you by Visiting Nurse Plus, then submit these bills to your insurance company for appropriate reimbursement. Our staff will do everything possible to assist you in accessing any benefits to which you are entitled.

Back to top

Q. What does home care cost?

A. Rates vary depending on the type and length of service needed; we will be happy to share these rates with you via a telephone conversation, in-home consultation or through mailed or e-mailed materials. It’s important to remember that VNP rates are inclusive for the type and length of service provided; there are no hidden costs or extra charges beyond the rate communicated to you. To make our services as affordable as possible, we provide care on an hourly basis with a required minimum of only two consecutive hours; most home care agencies require a minimum of four consecutive hours. Some personal care and nursing services be completed in 60 minutes or less when only limited care is needed.

Furthermore, we do not require that you sign a long-term contract; you are free to increase or decrease your schedule of care as desired. Visiting Nurse Plus services may be cancelled at any time with just a phone call to our office.

Back to top

Q. Can you help me determine what kind of care is needed?

A. With nearly 30 years of experience in this field, we completely understand that home care is not an issue people generally think about until they must find resources for themselves or a family member. As the first agency of our kind in Evansville, we have worked with thousands of individuals and their families—many with similar, and some with unique needs and wishes—to offer the exact type of care that the customer and family are looking for. We welcome the chance to learn more about your particular home care needs; call us anytime, request more information from this site, or extend us the privilege of visiting your or your loved one’s home for a one-on-one, no-obligation consultation.

Back to top

Q. How quickly can you provide services?

A. Setting up service is as easy as calling or visiting one of our offices. We begin to schedule a request for service immediately following your contact with us, and we make every possible effort to have a caregiver in place as soon as you need one. Of course, advance notice is always appreciated!

Back to top

Q. When are caregivers available?

A. VNP caregivers serve customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including holidays, with complete back-up coverage available. Some services are provided for a minimum of two hours up to 24 hours daily; others can be provided on an occasional (intermittent) basis during visits lasting 60 minutes or less.

Back to top

Q. Can I change the schedule of care?

A. VNP’s primary goal is to make home care work for you and your loved one, not for the convenience of the agency. We recognize that your situation may change over time, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to these changes as quickly as possible. Of course, we appreciate as much advance notice as you can give us, and we will work with you to make sure your or your family member’s needs are met in the manner that is best for you. Because we are also a full-service agency, we can easily increase or decrease the level of care provided; you won't need to change agencies every time needs change!

Back to top

Q. Will I have the same caregiver every time?

A. We understand that it may seem easier and more comfortable for the customer when the same person visits the home every time. However, in our experience we have found that a “team approach” works best. That is why we rely on a consistent core group of caregivers who are oriented to the customer and his or her home. The team members are able to cover shifts for each other in the event of illness, vacation or unexpected absence. We also complete and maintain a “Customer Preferences” guide for each of our customers to help caregivers familiarize themselves with the individual’s likes, dislikes and other vital information.

Back to top

Q. What if I have an emergency at night or on the weekend?

A.  VNP phones are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year. After daytime business hours, calls will be accepted by our after-hours personnel or our answering service. If you have a medical emergency, you are advised to dial 911.

Back to top