Frequently Asked Questions

Making a decision about caregiving for a loved one is never easy. You may have questions about our staff, residential care centre, or are unsure about what service level is appropriate for your loved one. Our FAQ section highlights some of our most common questions. If your questions aren’t answered, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your question in more detail. 

Training and Staff

Q.  Does AgeWatch have a registered nursing supervising each care plan?
A.  Yes. Our sub-county nurses are registered nurses with advanced training. They oversee the creation of the care plan for each of our clients. 
Q. Who employs and trains the caregivers?
A. We employ our caregivers directly. All caregivers work for AgeWatch Africa. Our caregivers are trained on healthy and safety standards, caregiving protocols, safe handling of medications, incontinent care, basic infection control, COVID-19 control, emergency first aid, hygiene, moving and handling, and abuse in the elderly population. 
Q. Do you provide different levels of care to meet all my needs?
A. Yes. AgeWatch provides home care, adult day care services, and residential care. This allows us to provide the right level of care for our client’s changing needs. Since we provide an array of different services, we are able to continue providing services as you or your loved ones age and require more extensive care. 
   
Q. Will I always be able to reach the office?
A. Yes. We have an on-call staff that is ready to take your calls anytime of the day — even after closing hours. 

Home Care

Q. Where do you provide services?
A.  Our home care services are tailored specifically to each client. Services are delivered in our clients’ homes.
Q.  What kind of home care services do you provide?
A. Our home care services are designed to specifically meet the needs of our individual client. Service may include companionship; light housekeeping; meal preparation; monitoring diet, eating, and exercise; changing bed linens, mobility assistance; help with bathing and dressing; grooming assistance; medication reminders; and respite or convalescence care. Live-in care can also be arranged for those requiring 24/7 assistance at home. 
Q. Will AgeWatch send someone to cook, clean, or help around the house?
A. Yes, because services are tailored to the needs of each individual client, we can arrange for a caregiver to help with light housekeeping or meal preparation. 
   
Q. Do I need a physician’s authorization to receive services from AgeWatch?
A. To begin receiving services, new clients are required to participate in an assessment carried out by our sub-county nurse or your local physician. If you do not have a regular physician, contact our intake center to arrange for an intake assessment by our sub-county nurse. 
   
Q. Do I pay the caregiver directly?
A. No. Payments are handled through the AgeWatch Africa office. Payment schedules will be discussed following our intake assessment. 
   
Q. AgeWatch Africa seems like a good choice. What’s the next step?
A. We’re glad to hear that AgeWatch Africa sounds like a good choice. Feel free to contact us at your convenience to schedule an in-home assessment with our sub-county nurse. After your assessment, our sub-county nurse will draft a care plan based on your unique needs. A payment will schedule will be discussed and care will be begin immediately. 

Day Care Services

Q. What types of activities do you provide?
A.  We have a range of activities and maintain a full activity calendar for our clients. Activities range depending on the day, but typical activities including: music, arts and crafts, games, socialization, physical therapy and exercise classes as well as medical advice and informational sessions. 
Q. Where is the daycare programme offered? 
A.  Our daycare centres are conveniently located in a close proximity to our clients’ homes. Currently our daycare programme is being offered at Ojola Village. However, because of COVID-19 restrictions, all daycare programmes have been temporarily suspended.
   
Q.  Are meals provided in the cost of the programme?
A. Yes. We serve a light breakfast, hot lunch, and an afternoon snack. There is no additional cost for meals. 
Q. Do you offer transportation?
A. We can arrange transportation to and from our daycare centres. Additional fees may apply.
 
Q. Are there eligibility requirement for the daycare programme?
A. Yes. Daycare clients must be able to walk with minimal assistance. If our client cannot bear weight or needs more than one person to assist him or her, he or she may not be eligible for the daycare programme and may be better suited for specialized home care. In addition, someone who is combative or a danger to himself or others may also not be appropriate for daycare. Bowel or bladder incontinence that cannot be managed with restroom reminders may also exclude someone from participating in our daycare programs. 
Q. Do your clients really enjoy daycare?
A. Our clients are happier, healthier, and enjoy life more! Our daycare programmes allow our clients to try different activities, socialize with their neighbors and friends, and feel a renewed sense of purpose. Our daycare programmes are based on scientific research and have are constantly shown in improve our clients quality of life. 

Residential Care

Q. What is the status of your residential care centre?
A. 

Our residential care centre in Ojola village is currently undergoing renovation and will welcome residents in 2021.

COVID-19 Response

Q. Are you still providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A.  Yes. Although our daycare programmes have been suspended because of social distancing requirements, we are providing individualized home health care to our clients. Our staff has been fully trained on COVID-19 response techniques and we are providing our clients with masks and hand sanitizer to help reduce the spread of the pandemic. 

To see how AgeWatch Africa can help you and your loved ones, contact us today.