When should I start looking into in-home care for my aging parent?
The right moment is the first family notice of concern - a missed medication, unsafe driving, a spouse who's overwhelmed. Prestige Home Care of Greenwich recommends starting the search then, not weeks later, because care plans work best when set up before a crisis forces the decision.
What's the difference between companion care and hourly home care?
Companion care covers assistance with daily needs - meal prep, bathing, medication reminders, errands, doctor's appointments. Hourly service is more like a short-term recovery shift, often after surgery, scheduled in defined blocks. Think of companion care as ongoing partnership and hourly as targeted backup.
Why is there a three-hour minimum for hourly caregiver visits?
Meaningful care can't happen in a 30-minute drop-in. At Prestige Home Care of Greenwich, three hours gives the caregiver time to handle medications, meals, hygiene, and a progress update - like a doctor's appointment versus a hallway question, the longer window makes the visit more useful.
How does a live-in caregiver schedule work if one person can't stay forever?
Live-in caregivers go home every few weeks to rest, but Prestige Home Care of Greenwich sends the same replacement each rotation. It works like a co-pilot system - two trusted faces your loved one already knows, so there's continuity without burning out a single caregiver.
How long can live-in home care last?
Anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the situation. Some families use it during a temporary recovery window; others keep the same caregiver through years of dementia or Alzheimer's progression. The arrangement adapts as your loved one's needs change.
When does my loved one need overnight care versus a live-in caregiver?
Overnight care fits people who are mostly independent during the day but unsafe alone at night - recovering from surgery, prone to wandering, or unable to manage bathroom trips. Live-in care is for people who need a presence around the clock.
How does Prestige match a caregiver to my family member?
Our case manager comes out for an in-home assessment to get a full read on your loved one's needs and personality. From there, we choose a caregiver who fits the requirements based on personality and routine - not just medical needs.
Why should I expect a caregiver with at least five years of experience?
Experience is the difference between someone who follows instructions and someone who notices when something's wrong. Every Prestige caregiver has a minimum of five years in the field, and is fully COVID-vaccinated with at least one booster.
What concierge services do you offer beyond senior care?
For busy families, we cover errands, house and pet sitting, airport pick-ups, after-school child transportation, meeting repairmen during work hours, and taking cars in for maintenance. Hourly packages and monthly memberships are both available - like having an on-call extra set of hands.
How does the free medical alert system work when I sign up?
When you choose Prestige Home Care of Greenwich, a medical alert system is included at no extra cost, if needed. It's a safety net for the hours a caregiver isn't physically present.