Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in business?
How’s Work was founded in 1992 by Pamela Abernathy and remains independently owned and operated by her son Matthew Abernathy today.
What kind of home care services do you provide?
How’s Work provides in-home, non-medical home care services. We provide personalized care to your needs, and our care is overseen by our nursing team. How’s Work can provide care for a few hours per week up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can assist with personal care, light housekeeping, ambulation assistance, medication reminders, maintaining nutrition and meal prep, transportation to medical appointments and errands, respite care for family caregivers and skilled nursing care. Please see our Services for more specific service information.
How are services scheduled? Will I always receive the same caregiver?
The schedule is determined by your needs and can adjust as service needs change and grow over time. We take into consideration the schedule and hours per week to determine how many caregivers are assigned to the case. Whether it is a single caregiver or multiple caregivers our goal is to match the right caregivers to create a successful home care experience. Continuity of care is important to us and we understand that a rapport and trust with a caregiver is crucial.
Additionally, our on-call schedulers are available nights, weekends and holidays so if an emergency arises, our team is there to support you and your loved one.
Can I change or discontinue services my loved one receives?
Yes, you can change the number of hours or type of service whenever it’s necessary. We understand that home care needs can quickly change, so we’re as flexible as possible with your care. There is no long term contract or commitment so you can discontinue your relationship with How’s Work at your discretion.
Where do you provide services?
Our office is located on Montvale Ave in Stoneham. We can provide care to adults living in the following areas: Arlington, Burlington, Cambridge, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Woburn, Winthrop.
Are your caregivers insured and trained?
Every caregiver is a How’s Work employee. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, we perform a criminal history background check, office of inspector general check, references, and driving checks on all aides. Our caregivers are covered with general liability and workman’s compensation insurance in case of injury, negligence, or theft.
How’s Work provides our Home Health Aides (HHA), CNAs, Personal Care Attendants (PCAs), Homemakers and Companion caregivers with continuing education as well as ongoing training and support. Our training programs have been updated to include Covid-19 safety compliance and Personal Protective Equipment training (PPE).
How can I verify a shift was completed?
How’s Work uses a GPS based Electronic Visit Verification system from HomecareIT (link)
Caregivers clock in and out of each visit on their smartphones, the time and location of each visit is recorded to verify the shift occurred and the shift length. Caregivers also log activity in the home and communicate any issues with the office.
What are the costs of your home care services?
Cost for private duty home care services at How’s Work can range from $30.00 per hour to $45.00 per hour for specialty 1-hour care services. We have a three hour per week minimum A one-week deposit is required to initiate services. services and invoices are generated weekly. Invoices are due upon the date they are received.
How do I pay for your home care services?
We accept checks, ACH payments, and major credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard. Depending on the frequency of services, services may be billed weekly or monthly.
Are home care services covered by insurance or Medicare?
While Medicare will provide in-home skilled nursing services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or wound therapy services, they do not pay for hourly personal home care services that How’s Work provides. Many of our clients receive assistance through the Massachusetts State Home care program, learn more at 800ageinfo.com. How’s Work is a contracted vendor with Mystic Valley Elder Services and Minuteman Senior Services.
How’s Work seems like a good fit for me or my family. What is the next step?
Please give us a call, we are happy to help with your home care questions or contact us online. We will arrange a time to visit you and/or your family discuss your specific home care situation. Together, we will go over the care your family needs and the care we provide. We will answer all of your questions regarding in-home care services, costs and set up. Often care can begin within the week of inquiry.