Answers About In-Home Care in Gainesville, FL
Families usually come to us with a lot of questions and not much time. Below are honest answers about how home care works in Gainesville, FL, who our caregivers are, what care costs and where we serve. If your question is not here, call Dana at (352) 352-9346 and ask. There is no cost and no obligation.
Getting Started
What happens after you call, how quickly care can begin and what the free home visit involves. For the full process, see How Care Works.
Our Gainesville Caregivers
How we screen, train and match caregivers, and what happens if a match is not right. Learn more about our team.
Senior Care Costs and Payment
How rates work, what local care costs and which programs can help. Our Paying for Care guide goes deeper.
Services
What our caregivers can help with, from bathing and meals to memory care and live-in support. See all in-home care services.
Areas We Serve in Alachua County
Where our caregivers travel in Gainesville and across Alachua County. Visit our service areas page for each town.
Frequently asked questions
How do we get started with in-home care?
Call (352) 352-9346 or send us a message. Dana, our care coordinator, will talk with you about your parent's needs, share our rates and schedule a free home visit.
What happens at the free home visit?
We meet your parent, learn their routines and preferences, and walk through the home to spot safety concerns room by room. Afterward you receive a written care plan and written rates. There is no obligation.
How soon can care start?
Care often starts within 48 hours of the home visit. After a hospital discharge, we can usually start within 24 to 48 hours.
What if my parent does not want help?
That is common. We often start with a few visits focused on things your parent enjoys or finds hard, such as errands or meals, and build trust from there. Meeting the caregiver first also helps.
Do we need a doctor's order to start care?
No. Because we provide non-medical care, you do not need a doctor's order. Long-term care insurance or VA claims may require medical paperwork, and we can explain what is needed.
How are caregivers screened?
Every caregiver passes a Florida Level 2 background screening, which includes fingerprinting, plus reference checks and an in-person interview.
What training do your caregivers have?
Our caregivers are CPR certified and complete dementia care training, with yearly refreshers. They also learn our visit routines and how to write clear visit notes.
Will my parent have the same caregiver each time?
We work hard to keep the same small team with each client so your parent sees familiar faces. Schedules are matched to caregivers who live nearby whenever possible.
What if we do not like the caregiver?
Under our Right-Fit Guarantee, you meet your caregiver before the first visit, and you can ask for a different caregiver at any time at no charge.
How will I know how visits are going?
Caregivers write notes after every visit, and Dana checks in with you each week. Calls are answered day or night, 7 days a week.
How much does in-home care cost?
CareScout's 2025 survey puts the median rate for a non-medical caregiver in the Gainesville metro area at $32 an hour. We share our own rates on the first call and put them in writing after the home visit.
Is there a minimum number of hours?
Our minimum visit is 4 hours. Care can range from a few visits a week to 24-hour and live-in care.
Do we have to sign a contract?
No. There are no long-term contracts. You can change, pause or stop care whenever your needs change.
Does Medicare pay for home care?
Generally not for ongoing non-medical care. Medicare covers part-time skilled home health care for homebound patients, but not 24-hour care or personal care alone. Read Does Medicare Pay for Home Care in Florida?
What payment options do you accept?
We accept private pay with weekly billing, help families file long-term care insurance claims and guide veteran families through VA Aid and Attendance. See our VA benefits guide.
What services do your caregivers provide?
Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meals, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, errands, rides to appointments and companionship. Learn more about personal care and companionship.
Do you provide medical or nursing care?
No. We do not give injections, provide wound care or perform therapy. We work alongside home health agencies when a client also needs skilled care. Read Home Care vs. Home Health.
Can you care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia?
Yes. Our caregivers are dementia trained and help with routines, safety, meals and calm companionship. Learn more about Alzheimer's and memory care.
Do you offer overnight, 24-hour or live-in care?
Yes. We offer overnight shifts, 24-hour care in shifts and live-in care. See 24-hour and live-in care.
Can you give family caregivers a break?
Yes. Respite care can cover a few hours a week, a weekend or a family trip. Read more about respite care.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Gainesville and nearby Alachua County communities including Alachua, Newberry, High Springs, Archer, Micanopy, Hawthorne, Waldo, Jonesville and Haile Plantation.
Do you serve rural parts of Alachua County?
Often, yes. We try to match rural clients with caregivers who live nearby so visits stay on time. Call (352) 352-9346 with your parent's location and we will tell you honestly what we can cover.
Can you help with rides to UF Health or the VA?
Yes. Caregivers can drive clients to appointments, including UF Health Shands and the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, wait with them and take notes for the family.
