Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I know if home care is the right option?
Home care is often the right fit when someone needs support with daily tasks — bathing, dressing, meals, mobility, or medication reminders — but doesn’t require round-the-clock skilled nursing or institutional care. It’s also a strong option when a family caregiver is reaching their limit and needs consistent backup.
If you’re unsure, our care coordinators can help you think through the options. There’s no obligation, and no pressure — just a conversation about what your loved one actually needs.
What happens during the initial consultation?
We start with a conversation — either by phone or in person — to understand your loved one’s current situation, health history, daily routines, and what’s prompting the call. From there, a member of our clinical team may conduct an in-home assessment to develop a personalized care plan. We take time to get this right before anyone ever walks through the door.
How quickly can care begin?
In many cases, CaraVita can begin services within 24 to 48 hours of the initial assessment — sometimes sooner when the situation is urgent. We know that when a family reaches out, they’re often dealing with more than a scheduling question.
Our team moves thoughtfully and efficiently, prioritizing your loved one’s safety while making sure the right caregiver is in place before care begins. The best first step is a phone call. We’ll listen to your situation and give you an honest, realistic timeline based on what your family actually needs.
What areas do you serve?
CaraVita Home Care serves families throughout Metro Atlanta, with a strong presence in North Fulton County and the surrounding communities. Our service area includes Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Woodstock, Atlanta, Milton, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Lawrenceville, and beyond. If you’re unsure whether we serve your area, please call us — we’re happy to discuss your location and care needs.
Is CaraVita only for seniors with serious medical conditions?
Not at all. Many CaraVita clients simply need help with daily routines, a consistent companion, or the reassurance of knowing someone is checking in.
Home care is as much a proactive choice as it is a reactive one, and families who start earlier often find it’s easier to build a strong care relationship before a crisis makes everything feel urgent. If you’re wondering whether your loved one is a good fit, the answer is usually yes — and our team is happy to help you think it through.
Do you offer a free assessment?
Yes. We offer a complimentary care consultation for all new families. During this conversation, we’ll ask questions, listen carefully, and help you understand your options — with no commitment required.
Is CaraVita licensed and insured?
Yes. CaraVita Home Care is licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health and is fully insured for both liability and workers’ compensation. For families, this means you’re protected — and the people coming into your home are working within a regulated, accountable framework, not operating independently.
Is CaraVita locally owned?
Yes. CaraVita has been locally owned and operated in Metro Atlanta since 1998. We’re not a franchise, and we don’t operate from a call center in another state. The people making decisions about your loved one’s care are right here — and they’ve been part of this community for more than 27 years.
How flexible is your scheduling?
Very. CaraVita offers care ranging from a few hours at a time up to full live-in and 24-hour coverage, based on caregiver availability. We build schedules around your loved one’s actual routine — not around what’s convenient for us. Whether you need a few hours of support on weekday mornings, weekend coverage, or help through the night, we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
Does CaraVita require a contract or upfront retainer?
No. CaraVita does not require an upfront retainer or a long-term contract. The only paperwork involved is a service agreement — required by the state of Georgia — which can be canceled with 24 hours’ notice at any time. You’re never locked in. We want families to stay with us because the care is excellent, not because a contract requires it.
About Our Caregivers
What services does CaraVita provide?
CaraVita provides a full range of non-medical home care services, including:
- Companion care — social engagement, conversation, activities, and transportation
- Personal care — bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, and toileting support
- Dementia and memory care through our proprietary Dementia Life™ program
- Transitional care — support following a hospital or rehab discharge
- Live-in care and 24-hour care for seniors requiring continuous support
- Specialty Care – For specific needs, diagnoses, or proxy care
Do you provide short-term or long-term care?
Both. CaraVita’s care plans are tailored to what your family actually needs. Short-term care is ideal for recovery after a hospital stay, surgery, or rehabilitation discharge — a defined period of support while a loved one regains strength and independence. Long-term care provides ongoing assistance for seniors managing chronic conditions, progressive illness, or the natural changes that come with aging.
Many CaraVita clients begin with short-term support and choose to continue as a long-term care partner. Because our clinical team conducts regular reassessments, the level and duration of care always reflects where your loved one actually is — not where they were when care began. Learn more about the types of care we provide.
Is care available overnight or around the clock?
Yes. CaraVita offers flexible coverage to match whatever level of support your loved one needs. For families who need targeted overnight assistance, hourly care can be scheduled during evening and nighttime hours. For seniors who need someone available consistently throughout the day and night, live-in care places a dedicated caregiver in the home on an ongoing basis. And for situations that require continuous, around-the-clock oversight, 24-hour care ensures someone is always awake and available regardless of the hour.
Whatever the situation, CaraVita will help you understand which option fits — and build a schedule that gives your family the coverage and peace of mind you’re looking for. Learn more about our 24-hour and live-in care services.
Can care plans change over time?
Absolutely. At CaraVita, care plans are never set-and-forget documents. They are living plans, regularly reviewed and updated as your loved one’s condition, preferences, and circumstances evolve.
Our in-house clinical team — registered nurses, licensed master social workers, and geriatric care managers — conducts ongoing assessments to monitor changes in health, mobility, cognition, and daily functioning. When a change is identified, we adjust the care plan promptly and communicate transparently with family members. Whether a client needs to transition from companion care to personal care, add hours, or require more specialized memory care support, CaraVita coordinates the change seamlessly — without the family having to start the process over.
What is the difference between companion care and personal care?
Companion care focuses on social engagement, emotional support, and assistance with tasks like transportation, errands, and light housekeeping. It’s appropriate for seniors who are largely independent but benefit from regular company and helping hands.
Personal care adds hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and incontinence care. It requires more skill and sensitivity, and is appropriate when a loved one can no longer manage these routines independently. Learn more about our personal care services.
Do you provide care for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia?
Yes. Memory care is one of our areas of deepest expertise. CaraVita’s Dementia Life™ program is a proprietary approach to dementia care that goes beyond task management — it’s designed to support quality of life, preserve dignity, and create meaningful daily engagement at every stage of cognitive decline.
Families working through an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis will also find support through our team’s direct connection to the Alzheimer’s Association and local caregiver support groups. Learn more about Dementia Life™.
Can CaraVita help with discharge from a hospital or rehab facility?
Yes. Our transitional care services are specifically designed to support seniors returning home after a hospitalization or rehabilitation stay — a period when fall risk and rehospitalization rates are highest. Our team coordinates with discharge planners, reviews post-discharge instructions, and ensures a safe, supported return home. Learn more about our transitional care program.
Do you provide care in assisted living or memory care communities?
Are there any services CaraVita does not provide?
CaraVita provides non-medical home care. Our caregivers do not administer medications, perform wound care, provide IV therapy, or deliver other skilled nursing services. If your loved one requires skilled nursing support, our clinical team can help coordinate with the appropriate providers. We can also connect families with Aging Life Care managers when needs extend beyond our scope.
What is the difference between home care and home health?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe meaningfully different services.
Home care — what CaraVita provides — is non-medical assistance with activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, meals, companionship, transportation, and household tasks. It’s primarily private pay, though long-term care insurance and VA benefits may apply. Home care can be scheduled for as many hours as a family needs, and can run alongside home health when both are in place.
Home health is skilled, medically-directed care — physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing visits, or aide services tied to a skilled care plan. It requires a physician’s order, is covered by Medicare for qualifying patients, and is typically authorized for a limited period following a clinical event. Home health aides generally assist only with the specific task they’re authorized for (such as a bath) and do not provide broader daily living support.
If you’re unsure which type of care your loved one needs, our team is happy to help you think it through and to coordinate with home health providers when both services are appropriate.
Clinical Oversight & Care Management
What makes CaraVita different from other home care agencies?
In a market of 400+ Atlanta home care agencies, CaraVita stands apart through clinical expertise, local ownership, and caregiver quality.
Founded in 1998 and still family-owned, CaraVita employs only W-2 caregivers, so families have accountability and consistency built in. Every caregiver is thoroughly screened before entering a client’s home. Our in-house team of RNs, MSWs, and geriatric care managers provides clinical oversight that most agencies simply don’t offer. When you choose CaraVita, you’re not choosing a franchise. You’re choosing a locally rooted team that has been caring for families in Roswell, Alpharetta, and all of Metro Atlanta for more than 27 years.
Will a nurse be involved in my loved one's care?
Yes. Our registered nurses are involved in the development and ongoing supervision of every care plan. They conduct assessments, identify clinical concerns, communicate with physicians and other healthcare providers, and ensure that caregivers have the training and guidance they need to deliver care safely. If your loved one’s condition changes, our clinical team is prepared to respond.
What is a geriatric care manager, and when do I need one?
A geriatric care manager (GCM) (also called an Aging Life Care manager) is a healthcare professional, often a social worker or nurse, who specializes in the needs of older adults and their families. They provide guidance on care options, coordinate across providers, navigate healthcare systems, and serve as an advocate for the senior and family.
CaraVita has GCMs on staff who work directly with our clients. For families who need a higher level of care management than our caregiving services include, we work closely with independent Aging Life Care managers who can step in to fill those gaps.
Costs & Insurance
How much does home care cost?
Cost depends on the type of care, the schedule, and the level of support needed. CaraVita will walk you through options clearly and help you understand what fits your situation — including how to navigate insurance, long-term care benefits, or other funding sources. The best way to get accurate information is a direct conversation with our team.
Does insurance cover home care?
Coverage depends on the type of insurance your loved one has, and most home care is private pay. Long-term care insurance often covers non-medical home care, though policies vary.
Medicare generally does not cover ongoing personal or companion care, though it may cover short-term skilled care following a hospitalization. Medicaid coverage varies by state and eligibility. Veterans and their spouses may have access to benefits through the VA. Our team can help you understand what may apply to your situation.
Do you accept long-term care insurance?
Yes. CaraVita works with most long-term care insurance providers. We can assist with documentation and billing coordination to simplify the process for families.
For Families Managing from a Distance
My parent lives in Atlanta and I live out of state. Can CaraVita help?
Yes, this is a situation we navigate with families regularly! CaraVita communicates proactively with family members, regardless of where they live. We provide updates, flag changes before they become crises, and coordinate with physicians and other healthcare providers so you’re not left piecing information together from across the country.
You shouldn’t have to choose between your own life and knowing your loved one is safe. We can help with both.
How will I know what's happening with my loved one's care?
We believe family communication is part of the job — not an afterthought. Your designated care coordinator is your primary point of contact for updates, concerns, and care plan changes. We use a care management system that allows families to stay informed, and we proactively communicate when something warrants your attention.
What if my parent refuses help?
This is one of the most common challenges families face, and there’s no single answer. Our social workers and geriatric care managers have significant experience helping families navigate resistance to care–approaching it with patience, respect for the senior’s autonomy, and a focus on building trust rather than overriding it. If this is your situation, we’d encourage you to start with a conversation with our team.
For Healthcare & Referral Partners
How does the referral process work?
We work closely with hospital discharge planners, social workers, physicians, elder law attorneys, and other professionals to coordinate seamless transitions for shared clients. Referrals can be made by phone or through our care coordination team. We move quickly, communicate clearly, and follow up so you always know the status of a referral.
How does CaraVita coordinate with other providers?
Our clinical team is designed for cross-provider coordination. We participate in care conferences, communicate changes in condition to the appropriate parties, and work to ensure continuity across the care continuum. If a client’s needs exceed what home care can address, we’re proactive about recommending additional care management, next steps, and facilitating transitions.
Does CaraVita provide documentation for care coordination?
Yes. Our clinical team maintains thorough documentation and is able to share relevant care information with authorized providers. Contact our care coordination team to discuss documentation and communication preferences for specific clients
