Private duty care FAQs

We provide personal care services such as assistance with activities of daily living, for example: grooming, bathing, medication reminders, meals and light housekeeping. Our homemaking staff can assist with laundry, food shopping and pharmacy pickup of non-narcotic medications. Private duty nursing services are also available.

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The patient or the patient's family pays directly for our services. Medicare/Medicaid does not cover our services.

Since the patient or family pays for our services, they determine the number of hours (two-hour minimum) and the schedule of our services.

We can arrange services to begin within 48 hours of the request, and many times sooner.

Your safety is our priority. We perform criminal background checks on all our employees through the CORI system. We also check employees through the MA Office of Attorney General exclusion list, and the EPLS (Excluded Parties List System, a nationwide database), every month. We also maintain professional liability insurance.

All of our aides and homemakers have successfully completed an approved home health aide training course. At CNS, they are required to attend an orientation and continuing education sessions. Examples of topics include company policies, documentation, patient privacy, home safety, infection control, and other topics directly related to quality care. A registered nurse supervises our "on the road" staff members.

There are many advantages of using our services. All our aides and homemakers are employees of Commonwealth Nursing Services, not independent contractors. That means we do the background checks and carry the insurance, including workman's compensation and professional liability insurance. We abide by all Social Security and tax laws. If an aide or homemaker is out for any reason, we can offer you coverage with another qualified aide or homemaker.

Unlike large national franchises, we are a local agency, accountable to our community and well-known for our excellence. We are able to offer highly personalized services and very rapid response to any concerns or questions. Our aides and homemakers are chosen carefully for their integrity, competence and compassion. Through our Circle Health partnerships, we are connected to other agencies and services that may be of help to you and your family.