Customer Service, a true story!

  On a recent morning, a client that uses our emergency alert system called to say the alert button had stopped working. Our agency advises clients to regularly test their system to confirm proper function and to provide familiarity with how the units work.  The button had been tested that day and seemed to be intermittent. Since we supply two buttons to our clients, we advised him to use the 2nd button, and that we would be out after lunch to replace the non-functioning button.  We also advised him to test the 2nd button while we were speaking on the phone.  He did this, and it worked properly.

That afternoon, when our employee arrived at the client's home to replace the alert button, a rescue squad came up as he was entering the building.  Not knowing what was going on, he held the door open as they zipped into the building, down the hall, and around the corner.  He then proceeded to the clients condo, only to find that was where the rescue squad had gone!

It seems that only a few minutes earlier, the client had fallen.  While not injured, he was unable to stand, and had activated the alert button.  The rescue squad helped him back to his feet, and verified that all was ok.  Prior to leaving, several of the squad members commented on how easy it was to find the client as they were given instructions as well as an address, and they didn't have to break in as they were given information on gaining access as well!

So, if you step back and review this story, you'll see a lot of benefit for this client from our agency.  IE:
 1. A local number, and person, to call when there is an equipment problem.
 2. Same day support & repair from the same local office.
 3. When needed, emergency responders are given detailed data on the person in need.
 4. Quick response tailored to the client.
 5. A human came to the home to help with the problem.  No mailing, return shipments, dealing with offshore call centers, etc.
 6. Same cost, or cheaper, with better products, service, & support than competitors.

There's obviously more benefits, but knowing the above 6, it's hard to imagine anyone going elsewhere for this type of service!  We challenge you to put us to the test.  Call our office to learn more at 704-909-7958.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Beware Caregiver Scams

Recently there have been several scams reported where families searching for an in home caregiver used an online service to locate someone to work privately with a loved one.  In almost all cases, the person they contacted did not really exist, and money was extorted in some form of a prepayment.  The online services that were used have posted notices to alert users, yet this sort of activity is difficult to control, and most services say as much in their fine print (the part that people don't typically read!).  The FTC recently posted a warning on their website about some of these activities which is available to read here.  Sadly, their listing is but one example of common scams.

If you're going to hire someone to work in your home privately, make sure you know what you're doing.  Criminal backgrounds, substance abuse, recurring driving infractions, findings from professional registries, etc., should always be checked first.  In addition, you should be aware of the legal liabilities you assume, as well as the requirements for tax and insurance obligations in your state.  You should never assume that because you found a person listed on a web service, that everything is above board!  It's rare for services to perform this type of leg work for you.

An easy solution to this headache is to enroll the services of a licensed home care agency.  In addition to removing the burden of making sure that the person has been properly vetted, the insurance covered by the agency will protect both you and their employees.  Home Helpers has been providing In Home Care service for over a decade, and we understand the importance of protecting everyone involved.  In addition, we will work to guide you to get the best possible value for your needs.  If you have a need for care services, or know someone who does, feel free to give us a call.  We'll be glad to assist in any way possible.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!