Frequenly Asked Questions

Can I trust you?

Yes, absolutely. As a school bus driver for Henrico County Public Schools, my required vetting process is one of the most comprehensive background checks mandated for any profession, specifically designed to ensure the highest standards of safety, driving record, and personal conduct when transporting the community's most precious cargo. Every day I am wholeheartedly dedicated to safety, and I pride myself on my unmatched reliability and punctuality. I am also an active volunteer at Hermatige Richmond, a wonderful non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community. Additionally:

I carry liability insurance that covers my work while assisting you in your home.
Before I begin any services, I conduct a thorough assessment for your needs and provide paperwork that includes your emergency contact information and a service agreement that outlines in detail what I can and cannot do safely. I like to have a game plan for everything and make sure we are on the same page!

And as a solo provider, you are not dealing with a rotating team. You get me, Eva, and my commitment to safety and reliability, every single time.

Can you help me?

As a non-medical caregiver, I provide assistance with some of the most common tasks that can be challenging for older adults, including:

🏡 Light Housekeeping: Cleaning, dishes, organization, etc.
🍽️ Light Meal Preparation: Cooking simple meals and brainstorming meal ideas.
💻 Technical Assistance: Help using electronic devices (phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, etc.).
💳 Administrative Support (Non-Financial): Online bill paying, setting up online accounts (I do NOT handle financial management).
🐾 Pet Care
🛍️ Errands: Grocery shopping or picking up items (accompanied or unaccompanied).
🚗 Transportation: To non-medical appointments and activities (see related question below).

And remember -- Even if you just need companionship, that need is very real. Studies have shown that social isolation is actually deadly. Beyond the companionship I alone can provide, I can also help you develop ideas for expanding your social world, which can be a better long-term solution. My mission, after all, is providing you with the tools to thrive.

❌ Since I do not have any medical training or certifications (besides CPR), I cannot provide assistance with any hands-on needs such as:

Bathing or personal hygiene tasks
Medication administration
Wound care
Transferring

For such hands-on care, you would need either a Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Personal Care Assistant (PCA). All of these require medical certifications, which is a notch higher than the non-medical caregiving I provide.

During my free consultation, I include a thorough assessment to identify whether you need any hands-on medical care. Together, we can find solutions, even if we determine I’m unable to help with your specific needs.

What is your rate and availability?

I service areas within a 10 mile radius of the City of Richmond. My pricing structure depends on the type of service needed:

In-Home Services: $25 per hour.
Tasks Involving Transportation: $30 per hour (for tasks such as shopping trips or errands where my personal vehicle is used).

Availability

Since I also work as a school bus driver, my availability is structured around that schedule:

Weekdays (Monday - Friday): 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Weekends: I have greater availability.
Extended Breaks/Holidays: I am also available during any school breaks, holidays, or days when students are not in school.

Can you take me to doctor or medical appointments?

No, I can't. Here’s why: As your non-medical caregiver, providing transportation to medical appointments (like a doctor's visit, urgent care, or physical therapy) changes the trip's classification to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT). This means the trip is treated differently under insurance, liability, and state regulations. In plain terms: I am not legally covered, trained, or equipped to transport you if a medical issue were to arise during the trip. While this rule may seem restrictive, it is ultimately in place for your safety.

✅ I can drive you to everyday, non-medical destinations, including:

Errands: Grocery store, pharmacy, banking, post office.
Personal: Haircuts, social events, recreational activities.
Wellness: Non-medical therapy appointments.

If you need transportation to medical appointments, you can certainly use services like Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. However, keep in mind they are not obligated to assist you other than getting in and out of the car. If you need more assistance—like someone waiting with you, helping you walk into the building, or providing support afterward—you must use a licensed Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) provider. These companies are insured, trained, and equipped specifically for medical-related travel and will ensure you are safer.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, credit (via card reader), or electronic bank transfers (if mutually agreed upon, such as Zelle) upon completion of services. Receipts are always provided.

If you need me to run errands and make purchases without your physical presence, I NEVER use your bank or credit card, even if you trust me with it—because anything can happen. Instead, I offer 4 alternative methods of secure payment options, which are outlined in my service agreement and something I can go over with you in detail. The good thing is, if you take the time to set up one of the electronic methods, you can use it with anyone you trust, not just me. You owe it to yourself to keep your finances securely in your hands. This is also an important part of your peace of mind in independent living.

I'm interested, how do I get started?

Wonderful! The first step is having a phone conversation. You may call directly or send a text/email to schedule a time that works best for you. See my contact info here. Following that, we will schedule a free 30-minute in-person consultation at your home to assess your specific needs and discuss a tailored plan. Once we complete some brief paperwork (for safety and clarity), we can get started right away!

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