Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need companion services?
This is a personal decision. Friendly Hearts often fills the gap in a senior’s life. In many cases, relatives are not available for consistent support or live nearby. A Friendly Hearts Friend (FH Friend) can provide the camaraderie and comfort you want and your family appreciates. Our services enhance independent living. Besides, you can never have too many friends.
Are you licensed to provide companion service?
Yes. Friendly Hearts Senior Services, LLC is a fully licensed and insured company doing business in Collier and Lee County, Florida. Our employees (FH Friends) also attend advanced and specialty training to ensure superior care and service to our clients.
Will Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance cover this?
Our services are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. However, some third-party insurers have provided coverage to clients. Discuss our services with your health insurance provider.
Can you stay with me overnight or for an extended period of time?
Yes. The advantage of having an FH Friend is that we are always available when you need us. Please call us to discuss extended stay requests.
Do I have to sign a contract for your services?
No. We provide services on an as needed basis. You are not obligated to secure a long-term contract to receive any of our services.
Do you provide handyman services?
Yes. We can perform any basic maintenance in your home that does not require a permit. For example, we can change your air conditioning filter, but cannot replace mechanical parts. We can install ceiling fans, security locks, mobility equipment such as grab bars, hang pictures, rearrange large furniture, install television and phone adapters and components, paint, fix leaks, and perform many minor household repairs.
We have relationships with several reputable licensed professionals that can attend to your large repair or building requests.
How do I know if an elderly loved one needs assistance from an FH Friend?
Just give us a call and we can help you determine whether our services will benefit your loved one and provide the type of care you seek.
We are happy to provide a complimentary in-home consultation at your convenience with you or your loved one to assess a potential client’s need and his/her willingness to have a new friend. Send us an e-mail and we will call you within 24 hours.
What health challenges are you familiar with?
An FH Friend is chosen based on a client’s preferences. All FH Friends have experience with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, mobility impairments, sight and hearing difficulties, other diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s, as well as post-operative care.
Can you administer medications?
We are not licensed to perform any medical service, which includes administering medication. However, we can provide reminders when it is time for a client to take medication.
What does it mean that you are non-medical?
There are things our companions are not trained to do and cannot legally do. Anything typically done by a licensed medical provider including injections, respiratory therapy, blood pressure, occupational and physical therapy, glucose monitoring, and wound dressage changing cannot be performed by your FH Friend. We can observe that these tasks are completed by a medical provider, and make the appropriate contacts and notifications should a problem arise.
Can you drive me to my doctors’ appointments?
Yes. FH Friends are able to drive clients to all types of appointments and destinations. Upon request, we can join you during the doctor’s visit or wait for you in the reception area. We can also relay visit results to a family member.
What kinds of things do you do when you meet with a client?
An FH Friend has no limit. We talk, play games, go to movies, create art, take walks, share crossword puzzles, help prepare meals, organize living space, do light housework, orchestrate renovations and relocations, and just about anything else you do with a friend.
We also take clients out to lunch, shopping, or to special events. We go to the grocery store with them, take them to the airport, take them to doctors appointments – anything a friend or family member would do for them.
Do you do housekeeping?
We perform light housekeeping duties including straightening, dusting, laundry, and vacuuming. We do not scrub floors, toilets, etc.
If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, we can recommend a reputable cleaning service.
Where do you find your staff?
We typically find our FH Friends through referrals. We perform extensive background checks and reference checks on each FH Friend.
Our #1 hiring standard: We will not hire anyone that we would not send to visit our own mom or dad!
How often do you bill?
We send invoices once per month, i.e., visitations made in June will be billed on July 1, with payment due upon receipt of the invoice.
What do I need to do if I am interested in obtaining your services?
Just give us a call and we will be happy to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation at your convenience. Or send us an e-mail and we will contact you within 24 hours.
