Our services.

We can tailor a care plan that lets your loved one maintain a level of independence in the comfort of home. Our caregivers can provide care, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication management, companionship, and transportation (to and from the grocery store, for example, or a doctor’s appointment). 

Our caregivers span a range of ages, races, and ethnicities. We have female and male caregivers. Many have previous experience as a home health aide, certified nursing assistant (CNA), or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). We seek out the very best caregiver candidates, hiring just the top 10% of applicants. As part of our in-depth interview process, we assess five dimensions of personality for each caregiver, to produce the best personality match with clients. 

When it comes to identifying a resource for in-home care, it can be tempting to rely on friends and family. But few family members (or family friends) have the training to provide high-quality care. It’s also worth thinking through what happens if that friend or family member gets sick or is otherwise unable to help for a period of time. You may be left without a backup plan. At A First Name Basis, we have a deep bench of caregivers who can step in and care for your loved one when such circumstances arise. Finally, it’s important to use an agency such as A First Name Basis if you are filing claims for in-home care using long-term care insurance. 

If you “work out a deal” to pay a private caregiver, you become the employer of that caregiver. The IRS requires that you file paperwork for that independent contractor. (You will need to pay Medicare and Social Security taxes for that individual too.) You also bear responsibility for ensuring that the caregiver is eligible to work in this country. Finally, a client and their family can be held liable if a private caregiver (working as an independent contractor) is injured on the job while in the client’s home. By contrast, when you enlist A First Name Basis, we handle employment paperwork and taxes for our caregivers. We carry liability insurance, and our caregivers are covered by Workers’ Compensation for injuries while on duty.

Yes. A First Name Basis is licensed, insured, and bonded. We have taken the necessary precautions to protect the liability of our clients. We want our clients and their families to have peace of mind.

Yes. Keeping our caregivers fully bonded and insured protects our clients and their families against any potential loss or liability. When you turn to A First Name Basis for in-home care, you can have every confidence about inviting our caregivers into your loved one’s home.

Yes. We hire our caregivers directly. All are full-time employees, not “gig” workers or independent contractors. A First Name Basis pays all required state and federal taxes for our caregivers, including Medicare and Social Security taxes. We provide our full-time caregivers with health and dental insurance as well as other employment benefits. 

Yes. No money changes hands directly between the caregiver and the client. (The same goes for the client’s family.) A First Name Basis maintains responsibility for paying our caregivers.

Yes. All our caregivers go through a rigorous 21-point evaluation and training program, which includes background checks, drug screening, and a follow-up with references. If your loved one has transportation needs, the caregivers in that role must all pass a driver safety quiz. Caregivers who drive must also demonstrate that they have a valid state driver’s license, an up-to-date car registration, and personal auto insurance. 

Yes. At A First Name Basis, every client is assigned a dedicated Care Manager, who is based out of a local office. Your Care Manager will oversee your loved one’s care plan, arranging for regular home visits just to check in. Your Care Manager coordinates caregiver scheduling. Your Care Manager can be reached anytime, if the need arises. Our Care Managers are empowered to resolve any issues.

Yes. At A First Name Basis, our Real-Time Caregiver Monitoring System keeps us updated about every client’s care. Our caregivers are required to check in (using our mobile app) on arrival at a client’s home. Not only does this allow us to verify prompt arrival for each shift, but the same secure mobile app puts your loved one’s care plan, including necessary medications, at the caregiver’s fingertips. This keeps everyone on the same page, and lessens the chance of human error because caregivers don’t have to rely on handwritten notes. 

Yes, our caregivers can help your loved one with transportation needs (appointments, shopping, etc.). We require every caregiver in that role to pass our driver safety quiz. Caregivers who drive for clients will also have a valid state driver’s license, an up-to-date car registration, and personal auto insurance (minimum state-required liability coverage or greater). A First Name Basis provides a second layer of protection with our non-owned auto insurance coverage.

Yes, we will ask you to sign an agreement, but it does not obligate you to a service minimum, or even to continue doing business with A First Name Basis. It is merely a statement of agreement between both parties. Our agreement will outline your loved one’s care plan and pricing options.