Angels on Duty In-Home Care Services

Frequently-Asked Questions

To help you better understand our services, we have listed some of our most frequently asked questions below. Click on the question for more information:


Will Angels on Duty™ come to my home on weekends and holidays?

We are available to assist you and the patient 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Weekends begin at midnight Friday, and end Sunday at midnight.

There is an additional charge for holidays. Holiday hourly and visit rates will be charged at one and one-half times the standard rate for the following:

  • New Year’s Eve 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
  • New Year’s Day 24 hours
  • Easter 24 hours
  • Memorial Day 24 hours
  • Independence Day 24 hours
  • Labor Day 24 hours
  • Thanksgiving Day 24 hours
  • Christmas Eve 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
  • Christmas Day 24 hours.

How do I arrange for Angels on Duty services? What if I have to cancel?

All service arrangements and termination of services must be made through the Angels on Duty (AOD) office. Please must notify us of any changes in service at least eight hours prior to such need or change; otherwise you will be responsible for paying a cancellation fee, equal to a two hour charge for hourly service (show up pay) or one-half of the visit charge.

Are all services from Angels on Duty staffed by your employees?

Yes, all services are provided by employees of AOD. AOD will honor special patient requests for specific staffing to the extent reasonably possible. We cannot guarantee coverage of all shifts requested, but will provide reasonable notice to the patient of any shifts that cannot be fully staffed.

What are the billing policies for Angels on Duty services?

You are responsible for all charges incurred for services requested from AOD, and are expected to make payment within five business days of invoice receipt. AOD reserves the right to change the service rates set forth upon fourteen days notice. You are responsible for submitting all claims for reimbursement to insurance companies or other third party payers. AOD reserves the right to suspend services in the event of non-payment within ten days of billing date. Angels On Duty, Inc. also accepts major credit cards.

What if I want to hire an individual employed by Angels on Duty and bypass your organization?

Angels on Duty is a provider of private duty services, but we are not an employment agency or placement service. Our patients may not privately employ or engage any member of the AOD staff who provides services to the patient. If you infringe on this policy, you will be required to pay AOD a finder's fee equal to fifty percent of that staff member’s annualized rate of service.

As a patient, what are my rights?

Please review our patient's right policy under the Health Information Privacy Portability Act, available by clicking here. We will also need permission to release records to accrediting bodies and individuals involved in continuity of care.

What if the personality of my Angel isn't the right fit?

We'll do our best to match you with someone whose personality is a good fit for you. Please remember, however, that AOD is an equal opportunity employer. Staffing will be provided without regard to race, sex, age, religion, nationality or disability.

How does Angels on Duty handle my transportation needs, for instance, when I have a doctor’s appointment or need to go to the market?

Angels on Duty employees may transport a patient if the following conditions are met:

  • The patient has a car available for employee to use (employees are not permitted to drive the client in the employee’s car).
  • The patient provides insurance, including full coverage-comprehensive, collision, and liability for the patient's vehicle.

AOD reserves the right to transport clients - or not - at management discretion.

What if I don’t need to be transported but need your employee to run an errand?

If the employee is required to perform errands in the employee’s own car, you will be charged a per mile rate, based on the most current federal reimbursement guidelines.

I have made advanced decisions about my care and life choices should I become physically and/or mentally disabled. How will Angels on Duty handle those requests?

Please notify us of any such decisions or documents. All patients cared for by AOD are considered a full code unless otherwise directed by the patient, a caregiver, or a physician’s order.

Where can I get more information about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?
Please visit http://www.alz.org/stl/ for more information.

How long has the agency been in business?  Angels on Duty, Inc will be celebrating our 15th year in April.  It has been a pleasure serving our clients for the last 15 years.

What services does the agency provide?  We have several different services to customize your care.  See our list of services for details.

How are your aides screened before being hired?  Our aides go through a 14 point hiring process.  Included in that screening and hiring process are the following: Phone interview, In-Person Interview, Professional and Personal reference checks, Family Care Safety Registration, Employee Disqualification List, Drug Screen, Home-Health Aide Competency Exam, 6 written skills tests, criminal background check, Skills training, Insurance verification and certification verification. 

What kind of experience/certification do the aides have to have prior to being hired?  We require a minimum of 6 months-year experience in care giving.

What type of training does the company provide to the employees?  Does it include dementia training?  Our angels receive training in Dementia/Alzheimers (Beginning to Mid stages and Mid to Late stages), Personl Care, Back Safety, HIPPA, and Hospice/End of Life care.

Are the employees insured and bonded?  Yes.

Does the agency provide employee job descriptions in writing for clients?  Job descriptions are available upon request.

What kind of supervision is given to the aides?  Field supervisors do regular supervisory visits at the clients homes.  An on call supervisor is available 24 hours.

What happens if an aide calls in?  We are unique in that we prefer to be proactive instead of re-active.  This is why we have a "first available" list.  Our angels voluntarily sign up to be "first available" for any shifts that open up.  We use this list of caregivers for any shifts that become available with short notice.

Does the agency provide Worker's Compensation in case their employees are hurt on the job? Yes.

Is a registered nurse available for your staff on a 24-hour basis to handle emergencies?  Yes.

Does the agency provide a free assessment by a qualified professional prior to the start of service?  Absolutely.  An RN or qualified supervisor will meet with the client prior to starting services.  The initial care plan is established at this time, so that we my provide your caregiver with all the required details prior to their first shift.

 

ornamental line
636-980-HALO (4256)  •  St. Louis: 636-294-WING (9464)
...All night, all day, Angels watchin' over me...
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