Family Tree Home Care is a non-medical home care agency that provides companionship, personal care, and help with daily activities for seniors and other adults who want to remain in their own homes. The company operates in several U.S. states, offering services through locally owned franchises that tailor care plans to each client.
Background and Services
Family Tree Home Care was founded in 2002 and has grown into a franchise network with locations across the country. Unlike home health care (which requires medical professionals like nurses or therapists), Family Tree focuses on non-medical support. Caregivers, often called companions or home care aides, assist with tasks that become difficult with age, disability, or recovery from surgery.
Typical services include:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting assistance
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping, laundry, and errands
- Medication reminders (not administration)
- Transportation to appointments or social outings
- Companionship, conversation, and cognitive engagement
Because each franchise is independently owned, the exact menu of services can vary slightly. However, all locations follow the same basic model: a care coordinator meets with the family, assesses the client’s needs, and creates a written care plan.
How Family Tree Home Care Works
The process typically starts with a free in-home consultation. During this visit, a care coordinator talks with the client and family members to understand daily routines, medical conditions, mobility limitations, and personal preferences. The coordinator then matches the client with a caregiver who has relevant experience and a compatible personality.
Care can begin as soon as the assessment is complete, sometimes within 24 hours. The caregiver visits on a schedule that fits the family’s needs—from a few hours a week to 24/7 live-in care. Many families start with a few hours a day and adjust as needs change.
Family Tree uses a proprietary system called Care Connection to keep families updated. Through a secure online portal or mobile app, family members can see when the caregiver arrives and leaves, what tasks were completed, and any notes the caregiver leaves about the client’s day. This transparency is a key selling point for families who live far away or cannot be present during care hours.
How to Choose a Family Tree Location
Because Family Tree is a franchise, quality can vary from one office to another. When evaluating a specific location, consider:
- Accreditation: Look for accreditation from the Home Care Association of America or a state-specific licensing body.
- Caregiver screening: Ask about background checks, drug testing, and training requirements. Reputable agencies conduct national criminal background checks and reference checks.
- Caregiver turnover: High turnover is a red flag. Ask how long the average caregiver has been with the franchise.
- Emergency backup: What happens if the regular caregiver is sick or late? A good agency has a pool of backup caregivers.
- Client references: Ask for names and phone numbers of current or past clients who can share their experience.
It’s also wise to read online reviews on sites like Google or Yelp, but take them with a grain of salt—some franchises are excellent, while others may have mixed feedback. Visit the office, meet the staff, and trust your gut.
Common Problems and Complaints
As with any home care agency, issues can arise. The most common complaints about Family Tree Home Care (based on public reviews) include:
- Inconsistent caregivers: Sometimes the same caregiver doesn’t show up every day, which can be distressing for clients with dementia or anxiety.
- Communication gaps: Some families report difficulty reaching the office or delays in getting responses to questions.
- Billing surprises: Make sure you understand the billing cycle, overtime policies, and whether there are additional fees for nights, weekends, or holidays.
- Caregiver punctuality: Late arrivals or early departures can be an issue, especially for clients who need strict schedules.
If you encounter a problem, the first step is to speak with the local office manager. Most issues can be resolved by switching caregivers or adjusting the care plan. If the franchise doesn’t respond, you can contact the corporate office or file a complaint with your state’s department of aging or health.
Costs and Insurance
Family Tree Home Care charges an hourly rate that typically ranges from $20 to $35 per hour, depending on location and level of care. Some franchises offer discounted rates for long-term contracts or overnight shifts. Unlike some agencies, Family Tree does not require a minimum number of hours per week, though a few locations may have a 4-hour minimum per visit.
Payment options include:
- Private pay: Most families pay out of pocket.
- Long-term care insurance: Many policies cover non-medical home care. Family Tree will help with the necessary paperwork.
- Veterans benefits: The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can be used for home care for eligible veterans and surviving spouses.
- Medicaid waivers: Some states offer Medicaid waiver programs that pay for home care for low-income seniors. Family Tree may accept these in certain states.
- Medicare: Medicare does not cover non-medical home care, though it may cover home health care if skilled nursing or therapy is needed.
Alternatives to Family Tree Home Care
Family Tree is not the only option. Depending on the level of care needed, alternatives include:
- Other non-medical home care agencies: Companies like Home Instead, Visiting Angels, and Comfort Keepers offer similar services.
- Independent caregivers: Hiring a private caregiver directly can be cheaper (often $15–$25/hour) but puts the burden of background checks, payroll, and liability on the family.
- Adult day care: For seniors who need supervision during the day, adult day centers provide social activities and meals at a lower cost.
- Home health care: If the client needs skilled nursing, physical therapy, or wound care, a Medicare-certified home health agency is required.
- Assisted living or nursing homes: For those who can no longer live safely at home even with help, moving to a facility may be necessary.
Safety and Quality Assurance
Safety is a top concern for families. Family Tree claims to conduct background checks on all caregivers, including criminal history, driving records, and professional references. However, the rigor of these checks can vary by state and franchise. Ask specifically whether the check includes a national database and a sex offender registry search.
Caregivers are trained in basic safety, fall prevention, and emergency response, but they are not medical professionals. They cannot administer medications, change sterile dressings, or perform medical procedures. If the client has complex medical needs, a home health agency is more appropriate.
Another safety consideration is the care plan itself. A good agency will reassess the client’s needs every few months and adjust the plan as conditions change. If you notice your loved one’s abilities declining, request a reassessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Family Tree Home Care provide medical care?
No, Family Tree provides non-medical care only. Their caregivers assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and cooking, but they do not provide nursing services, administer medications, or perform medical procedures. If medical care is needed, you’ll need a home health agency with licensed professionals.
How much does Family Tree Home Care cost per hour?
Hourly rates typically range from $20 to $35, depending on location and level of care. Some franchises offer discounts for overnight or 24/7 care. You’ll need to request a quote from your local office for exact pricing.
Can I choose my caregiver?
Yes, most Family Tree locations allow you to request a specific caregiver or at least specify preferences (e.g., female, speaks Spanish, experienced with dementia). However, caregiver availability can be limited, so you may need to be flexible.
Is Family Tree Home Care covered by Medicare?
No, Medicare does not cover non-medical home care like companionship or help with daily activities. However, long-term care insurance, Veterans benefits, and some Medicaid waiver programs may cover these services. Family Tree can help you file claims for eligible benefits.
What happens if my caregiver doesn’t show up?
Each franchise has an on-call system to handle emergencies. If a caregiver calls in sick, the office should arrange a replacement as soon as possible. In practice, response times vary, so it’s important to ask about backup plans before you sign a contract.
Can I hire Family Tree for just a few hours a week?
Yes, Family Tree offers flexible scheduling with no long-term contract. You can start with as little as a few hours per week and increase as needed. Some locations may have a minimum of 3–4 hours per visit, but this varies.
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