Resources

Seeking in-home care for a loved one? Considering employment as a caregiver?
Find the resources you need here.

Accepted Payments.

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Medicaid & state benefits.

We accept Medicaid waivers. Contact your local Medicaid office. Learn more

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Veterans & federal benefits.

We accept veterans’ benefits. Contact the VA for eligibility. For SSDI benefits, visit ssa.gov.
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Private insurance.

We accept long-term care insurance. Contact us to discuss your loved one’s policy.

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Private pay.

Our cost-effective in-home care solutions avoid the expense of care in a separate facility.

Frequently asked questions.

In-home care.

What services can caregivers from A First Name Basis provide?

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). 

How do you select your caregivers at A First Name Basis?

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. 

Why not just have a friend or family member care for my loved one?

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. 

Why do I need to hire an agency like A First Name Basis? Why not just hire a private caregiver on my own?

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.

Is A First Name Basis licensed as an agency?

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.

Are the caregivers who are employed by A First Name Basis bonded and insured?

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.

Are your caregivers employees of A First Name Basis?

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. 

Does A First Name Basis maintain responsibility for paying the caregiver?

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.

Do you screen your 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. 

Will I have a dependable point of contact at A First Name Basis?

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.

Can I be confident that our caregiver will arrive for each scheduled shift?

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. 

Can caregivers provide transportation for clients?

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.

Do I have to sign a contract?

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.

Ways to pay.

Do you accept Medicaid?

Yes. We accept Medicaid benefits in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We can connect you with your local Medicaid office to get the necessary waiver. Find the office nearest to your loved one here.  

Do you accept the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefit?

Yes. Veterans (or surviving spouses of a veteran) may be eligible for the Aid & Attendance benefit from the Veterans Administration (VA). We can even help you with the paperwork necessary to apply for VA benefits. To learn about eligibility requirements, visit va.gov or call the VA Benefits Hotline (1-800-827-1000).

Do you accept the Veterans Respite Care benefit?

Yes. Respite Care pays for short-term in-home care for a veteran providing a break (or “respite”) for family caregivers who might need to run errands, or even go out of town for a few days. Learn who is eligible: Visit va.gov or call the VA Benefits Hotline (1-800-827-1000). A First Name Basis can help you with the paperwork needed to apply.

Do you accept other Veterans Administration benefits, such as the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Respite benefit?

Yes. In the case of the PCA Respite benefit, a VA physician must write the order, and the veteran must request A First Name Basis as the care provider. Visit va.gov or call the VA Benefits Hotline (1-800-827-1000) to learn more. (Here too, A First Name Basis can help you with the paperwork needed to apply.)

Does A First Name Basis accept long-term care insurance benefits?

Yes. Contact us to discuss your loved one’s policy and how it can apply to in-home care.

For caregivers.

Who can be a caregiver for A First Name Basis?

We want to hire the best caregivers, because that leads to the best care for our clients. If you are a home health aide, certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or simply someone with a passion for caregiving, we want to hear from you. We give our caregivers the support, training, compensation, and benefits to build a career. No one is there for caregivers like A First Name Basis. Join our team.

What services would I be expected to provide as a caregiver for A First Name Basis?

Our non-medical in-home care spans personal care, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication management, companionship, and sometimes transportation. This section of the website details many common caregiver responsibilities.

Will you teach me what I need to know to be a caregiver?

Yes. We will train you for any aspects of the job that you may be less familiar with. We set our caregivers up for success. As part of your training, you will receive first aid training, CPR certification, fall prevention certification, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia care training. (This training is at our expense at A First Name Basis, not yours.) You will also receive 16+ hours of continuing education each year – again at no cost to you. In fact, you’ll be paid your hourly rate for those 16+ hours of refresher courses each year. See our 21-point evaluation and training program for caregivers.

What kind of clients would I care for?

A First Name Basis provides non-medical in-home care for two client groups: (1) older adults, and (2) intellectually or developmentally disabled adults and children. You will be helping these clients maintain a level of independence at home. You will be making a profound difference in their lives, helping them to experience meaningful moments and beautiful days.

Do caregivers for A First Name Basis find the job satisfying?

Yes. Like any job, caregiving can have its challenges from time to time. But, in the big picture, our caregivers find the work to be deeply rewarding. Many caregivers with A First Name Basis build deep affection for their clients: In fact, our average caregiver-to-client relationship exceeds four years. A First Name Basis also stands out for how we support caregivers. We give caregivers the training, compensation, and benefits to build a career.

What are the hours for a caregiver position?

Our full-time caregivers are scheduled for 40 hours a week, but they can choose to pick up extra shifts too, if they want. A First Name Basis has many clients who require 24/7 care, so we also have night shifts available. If your schedule is flexible, it’s easy to pick up extra shifts using our secure mobile app.

Will I need transportation to and from a client’s home?

In most cases, yes. In some instances, it might be possible to use public transportation to get to a client’s house.

Will I need to drive for my clients?

Some clients have transportation needs. When that has been coordinated in advance, caregivers might drive clients to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or the city park on a nice day. To drive for clients, you will need a valid driver’s license, an up-to-date state car registration, and personal auto insurance (minimum state-required liability coverage or greater). A First Name Basis also provides non-owned auto insurance coverage, which gives our caregivers and clients a second layer of protection.

What does caregiving with A First Name Basis pay?

We offer caregivers market-leading hourly pay, based on their experience, skill set, and qualifications (such as certified nursing assistants or licensed vocational nurses). We also offer incentive pay. You can get paid twice a month or you can use DailyPay to get paid daily, if you prefer.

Do you offer employment benefits for caregivers?

Our full-time employees are eligible for health and dental insurance after working for us for just six months. We also offer full-time caregivers access to a 401(k) retirement plan, with an employer contribution based on what you put in.

What is my first step to become a caregiver for A First Name Basis?

We want to hear from you! Caregiving with A First Name Basis can be a rewarding career path. Apply online now or call our Caregiver Career Hotline at 800-557-5525.

Other questions? Call us at 877-557-5525.

Namely, Care.

Namely, Care is your place to learn more about A First Name Basis and in-home care.

Caregiver careers.

Are you a home health aide, certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or someone interested in caregiving? At A First Name Basis, we give our caregivers the support, training, benefits, and market-leading compensation to build a career.

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We pay well. We pay daily.

Our market-leading compensation reflects how we value our caregivers. You can also get paid daily if you prefer.

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Benefits for caregivers.

Our caregivers are full-time employees. Our caregivers are eligible for health and dental insurance as well as 401(k) benefits.

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Schedule: Flexibility & opportunity.

Your assigned schedule is always at your fingertips. Use our app to request a shift change, or pick up a shift.

Get in touch.

Call us at 877-557-5525 to schedule a free in-home consultation. Or, click Contact Us below and fill out the short form – we’ll get in touch with you.

We’re eager to talk. Build a career with us, and make a real difference in a client’s life.