Cheer Home Care – Frequently Asked Questions
Care Scheduling & Communication
How do I change my ongoing schedule?
Simply call (text or email if non-urgent) your care manager to adjust your schedule, including adding shifts, changing the time of shifts, canceling individual shifts, or ending services. Out of respect to our staff and so that we may provide them the opportunity to take other shifts, we require 72 hours’ notice to change a schedule (this does not apply in case of unpredictable medical emergencies).
I would like my caregiver to stay past the scheduled end time or arrive early to shift. What should I do?
Call the office to inform our team so that we can confirm with staff, advise of any overtime cost that may be incurred, and adjust the clock-in or out time for proper record keeping.
Can I request specific days or times for caregiver visits?
Yes. We do our best to accommodate your preferred schedule. Your Care Manager will work with you to understand your ideal routine and match you with caregivers who are available at those times.
What if I need care outside of regular hours, like overnight or on weekends?
We provide care 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Let your Care Manager know your needs, and we’ll build a schedule that ensures uninterrupted support.
How quickly can services begin once I contact you?
In many cases, we can begin services within 48–72 hours of your initial intake, depending on your needs and availability of caregivers. For urgent cases, we offer accelerated start options.
Caregiver Relationship & Matching
How do I communicate with my caregiver? Can I exchange phone numbers and call or text them?
In order to be compliant with Labor Laws in CA, we are prohibited from providing the private cell phone number of our staff. We also find that this helps maintain boundaries and ensures information is being shared centrally to your Care Manager to be recorded in your Care Plan and shared with your entire care team. If you feel you need to communicate directly with a staff member, please discuss with your Care Manager.I don’t feel that my current staff member is the correct match for me. How do I make a change?
Having someone in your home providing care is a very personal experience. We want to ensure that you have a great match based on both skills and personality. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Care Manager to discuss finding a better match for your needs. Please note Cheer Home Care follows all Federal and State Labor Laws and will not staff based on inclusion or exclusion of protected characteristics. If you have concerns around this topic in relation to Cognitive Impairment, please discuss with your Care Manager so that we can best support both client and staff.Can I meet or speak with my caregiver before the first shift?
Yes. We prioritize introductions and clear communication before services begin. We can arrange a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet so you feel comfortable from the start.Will I have the same caregiver each time?
We strive for consistency, assigning primary caregivers to each client whenever possible. For extended schedules, a small rotating team may be used to ensure coverage and continuity.Policies & Boundaries
My schedule falls during mealtime. Am I required to provide food/drinks and breaks for my caregiver?
Staff will bring their own meals, snacks, and drinks. In accordance with CA Labor Law and because of the safety considerations for our clients, our staff do not have separate break times during their shifts. They are paid continuously throughout the shift and are expected to take “on-duty” meal breaks as it fits into the client care routine. Your Care Manager will discuss staff food storage/heating options and break areas. If a caregiver accompanies you to a restaurant and they are dining with you, it is appropriate to pay for the caregiver’s meal, as this is not an expense they are planning on. We are happy to discuss this arrangement as it pertains to your specific circumstances and needs.
I want to provide a Holiday or Birthday gift for my caregiver OR I would like to give away a personal item that I no longer need/want. What should I do?
Many of our clients fall into a vulnerable class, have cognitive impairment, or are not their own financial representatives. For these reasons, we have a strict policy that staff may not accept any gifts, tips, or donations. In appropriate situations, we can facilitate gift/donation giving once written permission has been given by a responsible party. Please reach out to your Care Manager to discuss. (There is no expectation of gift giving; we mention here to address this situation proactively.)
My Care Manager recommended I secure all valuables before starting care. Why is that important?
All Cheer caregivers are fully vetted, background screened, registered with the state, and reference checked. However, there are several reasons we still make this recommendation. Our clients often start care at a time when there may be an influx of new services and staff in the home – housekeeping, home healthcare, maintenance workers – it is always a good idea to secure valuables with new people in the home. Additionally, many of our clients OR their loved ones may at some point experience temporary or progressive cognitive changes during which time valuables can be accidentally misplaced or even thrown away.
Can caregivers travel with clients to another city or state?
In some cases, yes. Extended travel with clients must be reviewed and approved by your Care Manager to ensure compliance with labor laws and proper caregiver compensation and accommodations.
Billing & Payment
How does billing work? What day will I receive my weekly invoice?
Invoices will be emailed weekly, typically on Monday or Tuesday, to the email address notated on your Payment Authorization form. Payment is automatically processed weekly at the time the invoice is sent out.
Do you accept long-term care insurance?
Yes, we work with many long-term care insurance providers and can help with documentation, invoicing, and claims submission. Your Care Manager will guide you through the process.
Are your services covered by Medicare?
As a private-pay home care provider, our non-medical services are not covered by Medicare. However, we can coordinate with Medicare-funded home health providers when applicable.
Care Services & Scope
I need help filling my pill box. Is that something my caregiver can assist me with?
Under our licensure as a Home Care Organization, staff are not allowed to fill pill boxes. We can connect you with an Aging Life Care Manager who can assist and/or discuss other options for med management. However, Cheer’s caregivers are allowed to provide medication reminders.
What supplies are provided by Cheer Home Care?
Clients are responsible for supplying any products needed to complete routine personal care, such as gloves, wipes, or briefs. If enhanced PPE such as gowns, facemasks, face shields, head/foot coverings is recommended, clients may choose to supply these items, or Cheer will supply them for an additional cost. Cheer can also order all supplies if needed for a fee.
What type and how much cleaning/household tasks can my caregiver assist with?
Staff can assist with light housekeeping, but it must not exceed 20% of their work based on their qualifications under CA labor laws. Staff is prohibited from: moving furniture, lifting heavy objects/boxes, hand washing floors, climbing ladders, yardwork such as: washing exterior windows, mowing, weed wacking, gardening (except when working together with the client as an activity), polishing silverware, dusting fine china/valuables.
What types of conditions can your caregivers support?
We support a wide range of care needs — from companionship and fall prevention to specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, post-surgical recovery, cardiac conditions, and more. Our Care Managers create a custom plan that matches the client’s diagnosis and lifestyle.
Can you provide support during hospital discharges or after rehab stays?
Yes. Our team frequently supports transitions from hospitals or skilled nursing facilities back into the home. We help prevent re-hospitalization by offering structured routines and clinical oversight.
Do your caregivers help with exercise or mobility routines?
Absolutely. Under the guidance of physical or occupational therapists, our caregivers can assist with stretching, ambulation, and prescribed home exercises.
Home Environment & Safety
If the individual receiving care has cognitive impairment and is unable to manage their finances, how can their caregiver make purchases for them while they are out?
For privacy reasons, we strongly discourage staff from having access to credit cards or cash. One option we recommend is the True Link debit card, which can be loaded with funds as needed and monitored remotely. Except in the case of emergencies, staff are not allowed to make purchases for a client with their own credit card. Your Care Manager will help you set up a plan for purchasing and reporting supply needs.
Can you help evaluate my home for safety concerns before care begins?
Yes. We perform an in-home safety assessment during your intake to identify fall risks, accessibility issues, and opportunities to improve comfort and security.
What technology or systems do you use for tracking visits and updates?
We use secure care management software to log shift times, caregiver notes, and updates to your Care Plan. This ensures your care team stays informed and aligned.
Family Involvement & Support
I am going to a doctor’s appointment. Can my caregiver provide transportation to my spouse, who is not receiving care?
Please discuss any situations involving care or transportation for someone other than the client (listed on the Service Agreement) with your Care Manager so that we can update the caregiver and also make any appropriate adjustments to the service type. We recommend that couples be both listed on the original Service Agreement, even if only one person is receiving care so that they are both covered in these situations.Can I access caregiver shift notes or visit logs?
Yes. Your Care Manager can provide summaries or arrange secure access to caregiver notes, depending on your communication preferences.Can family members sit in during caregiving shifts or participate in care activities?
Of course. We welcome collaboration with family members and can tailor the level of involvement based on your family’s preferences and the client’s comfort.My friend/neighbor needs home care, I’d like to recommend Cheer, what is the best way to connect?
As a small and growing local company our largest source for referrals is from word of mouth. We consider it the highest compliment to have clients share our name with others. We take intake calls around the clock, and you can share our 24/7 main number 858-868-5500 with anyone interested in care. We also LOVE helping folks with questions about senior care resources, even if they are not needing home care at this time.Service Areas in San Diego County
What areas of San Diego County does Cheer Home Care serve?
Cheer proudly provides in-home care throughout San Diego County, with a focus on its most vibrant and distinguished communities. This includes La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Point Loma, Mission Hills, Kensington, Bankers Hill, Scripps Ranch, Olivenhain, Poway, San Marcos, Chula Vista, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Jamul, as well as the greater San Diego area.
Do you serve clients outside these areas?
Yes. While our core service area is San Diego County, we may be able to extend care to neighboring communities. Please contact us to discuss your location and care needs.
How do I know if you cover my neighborhood?
Simply reach out to our team with your address, and we’ll confirm coverage and match you with the right caregiver for your area.
Do you provide caregiver services in La Jolla neighborhoods like Bird Rock and The Village?
Yes. Cheer Home Care serves all of La Jolla, including Bird Rock, The Village, and other neighborhoods along the coast. Families here trust us for discreet, concierge-level in-home care.
What about coastal communities like Cardiff-by-the-Sea or Solana Beach?
We proudly provide in-home caregiver and nursing support in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach, and other coastal communities, with services tailored to each family’s unique needs.
Do you cover Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch?
Absolutely. Our caregivers and nurses frequently serve families in Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch, offering the level of privacy, professionalism, and premium care these communities expect.
Are services available in Carlsbad and Encinitas neighborhoods such as Olivenhain?
Yes. Cheer serves Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Olivenhain, supporting families with daily living assistance, recovery care, and specialized memory support.
Do you serve historic neighborhoods like Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, and Kensington?
We do. From Mission Hills and Bankers Hill to Kensington, our team brings trusted in-home care to San Diego’s most cherished neighborhoods.