Start with what daily life looks like
A family may notice difficulty with dressing, bathing, meals, or following a familiar routine. Tell us what help is actually needed, how the person communicates, and what tends to make personal care easier or more upsetting. These details help us assess whether our services are an appropriate fit.
We do not treat dementia or promise to prevent its progression. Our role is assistance with approved daily care tasks, within the caregiver’s training and the care plan, with registered nurse guidance and oversight.
Respectful support during personal routines
Some people need reminders or a familiar sequence; others need hands-on assistance. Privacy, pace, and the person’s preferences should be part of care planning. An aide should know what the plan calls for rather than improvise when a routine becomes difficult.
Tell the agency about changes in behavior, mobility, eating, or the amount of assistance needed. A family should not have to explain a major change only after a scheduled visit has become unworkable. Communication helps the team decide what needs reassessment or coordination with the treating clinician.
A diagnosis is not a Medicaid approval
Medicaid-funded personal care depends on the applicable program, screening, and authorization requirements. Dementia by itself does not establish the number of approved hours or guarantee a paid family caregiver. The screening looks at the individual’s needs under the program’s criteria.
If you are unsure whether a screening has happened, start with Do I qualify for Medicaid home care?. If you already have approved hours, call us to discuss the authorization and whether our agency can meet the care needs and schedule.
The family caregiver’s role
A relative may already know which routines feel comfortable and how the person expresses a need. Some qualifying relatives may have a paid personal care option, but the family relationship, living situation, authorization, and employment requirements matter. Learn about family caregiver arrangements before assuming payment can begin.
If an unpaid primary caregiver needs temporary relief, ask separately about respite care. Respite is not interchangeable with personal care and is not automatically available when the primary caregiver is paid.
Planning for needs beyond an aide’s visit
Be clear about times when the person may be without help and any concern about being left alone. A limited visit schedule should not be mistaken for continuous supervision. We discuss whether the requested arrangement is suitable and what other support may need to be coordinated.
A to Z serves Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Call about the person’s current situation and care approval. We will review fit and availability before discussing a start date, rather than promise around-the-clock care or immediate placement.
Questions families ask
Do you diagnose dementia?
No. Diagnosis and medical treatment belong with the appropriate treating clinicians. Our conversation concerns daily personal care and service arrangements.
Can you provide memory-care facility services?
This page concerns personal care at home. Tell us the setting and needs so we can clarify our scope and available services.
What should I have ready when I call?
The person’s location, current support needs, health plan, and any screening or authorization information help. You can still call if you are unsure about the paperwork.