Frequently Asked Questions

Friends of the Family began providing at care and nursing services to patients in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan in 2006. Current owners, Paul and Rebekah LaFontaine, took over the business in 2012.

Friends of the Family rates will vary on the level of care, services required, duration of services, and your location. The cost for home health care service begins at $22/hour.

No. You don’t need pre-authorization, pre-qualification, certification or even a prescription for at-home health care services with Friends of the Family. You choose the services you want, when to start those services and how often those services are used.

When hiring staff, Friends of the Family seek for character first. Our employees have undergone extensive background checks and character references, to ensure that only the best candidates are selected.

Trust, dedication, compassion and faith in God are what our company has been built on, and we take pride in having provided high quality care for hundreds of families across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Yes. We encourage your involvement in the decision-making process. With our in-depth screening and selection system, you can rest assured that we do our best to take the guesswork out of matching the right caregiver to you and your family. We always try to accommodate any requests you may have for a change in caregivers.

Yes, a member of our elder care management team will always be available 24/7 to address your concerns.

Medicare only covers skilled care, which includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing Care, and a Social Worker.

We work with the premier Medicare providers in the area, and will refer them to you if necessary.

There are many options available, including Private Funding, Long-Term Care Insurance, Veterans assistance, Workman’s Compensation, Auto Insurance Claims, Non-Profit Funding, AAA1B in Michigan.

Let us help you explore your funding options, and assist in whatever way we can to make sure you or your loved one gets the attention and medical care they need.

Yes, you do and we will assist all eligible veterans with the qualifying process for financial assistance to provide in-home health care services.

Elderly Companion Care has been shown to improve the “quality of life, for many seniors. “Studies have shown that having regular social interactions, including simple conversation, can prolong life and improve memory and cognitive function in older individuals. A walk in the sunshine, dinner out, meeting new friends at the senior center or just chatting in the living room can mean the world to a lonely senior. The listening ear of a friendly caregiver goes a long way. Too cold to go out? Stay home and do a puzzle or read together, Schedule your next Doctor appointment, write a letter to a family member or friend in another state. We can watch TV with them and even monitor TV usage.

(Shower, Dressing and Grooming Guidance, Toileting and Incontinence)

Personal care is the attention required in connection with bodily functions. Bodily functions can include dressing, washing, bathing or shaving and toileting. We understand that this can be a personal line to cross for someone in the family and that’s why we are here to help. Allowing you to remain the spouse, daughter or son, rather than the caretaker and honoring your loved one with that dignity. Making sure they always feel fresh is our goal. We provide help with incontinence, preventing illness and UTI’s.

Whether it’s in our company car or we use yours, our transportation service comes complete with a companion to ensure the safety of the client. Visiting friends, Church, Doctor Appointments, Grocery Shopping, Family Events, Dinner Out, Hair Appointments, Mud Hens Games, Trips to the Senior Center, Taking your pet to the vet and many more places are waiting for your loved one to enjoy, while always having a steady hand to lean on.

Errands are another big part of what we do. Don’t feel like going out? Just make the list and let us do the running for you.

Many times the family have become full-time caregivers to their loved ones. Some have had to quit their jobs, move away from their spouses, or just let go of any free time they have for a season. We have seen where their endless work and passion can begin to take its toll on their health.

The name of our company says it all. We truly are a “Friend of the Family” and we believe in giving you the break you need. Whether it’s just for a few hours or for a two-week vacation, while you are away, we vow to treat your family as a member of ours.

Although we are a private duty, non-skilled agency, we do have nurses on staff offering Medication Setups and Reminders, Blood Pressure Checks, and Sugar Monitoring, along with Higher Acuity Skills, Colostomy Bags, Tube Feeding and Minor Wound Care.

However, in conjunction with our partners, we also offer Skilled Nursing Services, Speech-Language Pathology, Medical Social Services, Wound Care, At Home Laboratory Services, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

Friends of the Family realizes that our pets are sometimes the only roommates we have. Their companionship and unconditional love, make them honorary furry members of the family. A surgery or just aging can sometimes make it difficult to provide the care they need.

Feeding, Walks, Litter Box Care and Play are all things that we can help with. We also provide transportation to the Vet and Groomer, when needed. This will ensure that the client is able to keep their best friends right at home.

Meal preparation and diet monitoring are very important to the health and wellbeing of the human body.

Meal Preparation: Dinner is served! As well as Lunch and Breakfast!  We strive to make sure there is something prepared for meal time. Make a list and we’ll do the grocery shopping or assist them while they shop. Do they have a favorite restaurant? We deliver!

Diet Monitoring: Whether it’s less salt, no sugar, gluten-free or an allergy, we can provide a custom meal plan that fits the needs of your loved one.  Make sure they maintain a healthy weight by having us check it on a daily basis. Hydration is key to a long and healthy life. We can ensure they have the fluids they need.

Post-Operative Care” is a special program at Friends of the Family. We call it, “Post-Operative Pampering”. It was created so your family can remain worry-free following your surgery. Our staff will remain with you and cater to your every need as you recover.

Transportation to and from the Hospital, Shower assistance, Bed Baths, Dressing, and Grooming, Trips to the restroom, Meal Prep, Follow up Appointments, Regulating Pain Meds, Colostomy Bags, we’ve got you covered.

Are you a new mom? Bring your bundle of joy home and focus on what really matters, while we take care of the rest.

Friends of the Family works closely with our friends at Hospice. Many times, they can only be there for a minimum amount of time. That’s when we are called, to fill in when it matters the most. Your loved one will be well taken care of and is able to rest in peace in their last moments here.

Occasionally,  it’s just the home that needs attention while you focus on time spent with them. We can take the everyday chores of life off your hands, during this difficult time.

We can also just provide advice on where to start in the planning, ensuring that you are prepared when the time comes.

Transferring is helping people with mobility disabilities move from one place to another, or to reposition them within a bed or a wheelchair. Whether it’s offering strong hands of support, using a gait belt, hoyer or sit-to-stand, our caregivers can assist in a safe transition from one piece of furniture to the next.

The simple tasks of everyday life can become quite difficult after even a minor surgery or fall. We know how each person has their own way of keeping their house tidy. You just let us know how we can help. We do the dishes, Clean the toilets, Vacuum the living room and take out the garbage.

The environment we call home can play a big role in one’s overall health.