Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home care, Alteza, and getting started.
What services does Alteza provide?
Alteza provides Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in clients’ homes. This includes help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and transportation to appointments. We do not provide skilled nursing care or medical treatment — we help with the everyday activities that keep people safe and comfortable at home.
How is home care different from home health?
Home care (what we do): Non-medical personal assistance — bathing, meals, companionship, help with daily living. No physician order required. Usually paid privately, by long-term care insurance, or by Medicaid Managed Care.
Home health: Skilled medical care — nursing, physical therapy, wound care. Requires a physician order. Usually covered by Medicare for a limited period.
Many families use both. If you need home health, we can help you find a referral.
Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Medicare: Does not cover long-term personal assistance services. We do not accept Medicare payment.
Medicaid (STAR+PLUS Managed Care): Yes — we are pursuing contracts with the major Texas STAR+PLUS MCOs (Superior, Molina, UnitedHealthcare, Wellpoint). Please contact us for the most current status.
Private pay: Fully accepted. Most clients pay directly, use a long-term care insurance policy, or use VA Aid & Attendance benefits.
How much does home care cost?
Private-pay rates in Central Texas typically range from $28 to $40 per hour, depending on service type, hours, and location. We offer transparent pricing during your free consultation and can help you understand any insurance benefits you may have. There are no hidden fees, minimum contracts, or long-term commitments.
How quickly can services start?
For most private-pay clients, we can begin services within 48 to 72 hours of the initial consultation. This includes an in-home assessment, care plan development, and matching a caregiver to your loved one. Urgent situations (like a hospital discharge) can often be accommodated same-day.
Are your caregivers background-checked and trained?
Every caregiver goes through a comprehensive background check (state criminal history, Employee Misconduct Registry, Nurse Aide Registry) before we hire them. They complete orientation training covering client rights, safety, infection control, HIPAA, and hands-on care skills. We also require CPR certification and TB screening. All caregivers are supervised by our licensed nursing team.
What if we don’t like our caregiver?
Just tell us. We match caregivers to clients carefully, but personalities don’t always click, and that’s okay. Call our office and we’ll assign a different caregiver — no questions asked, no awkward conversation. Your loved one’s comfort is what matters.
What areas do you serve?
Alteza serves four counties in Central Texas: Travis (Austin), Williamson (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Hutto, Taylor), Hays (San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs), and Bastrop (Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville). If you’re outside these counties and need care, contact us and we’ll help you find a trusted local agency.
Do you have Spanish-speaking caregivers?
Yes. Bilingual English/Spanish caregivers are a priority for us given the communities we serve in Central Texas. When you request a consultation, let us know your language preference and we’ll match accordingly.
Is Alteza licensed and insured?
Yes. Alteza Healthcare LLC is a licensed Home & Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. We carry General Liability, Professional Liability, and Workers’ Compensation insurance, and we maintain a surety bond as required by Texas HCSSA regulations. All caregivers are our direct employees (not contractors) so you are protected against tax, insurance, and employment liability.
How do I get started?
Call (512) 954-4266 or schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and if it’s a fit, come to your home for a no-obligation assessment. From there, we build a care plan around your family’s specific needs.
Still have questions?
Give us a call. We’re happy to talk through anything — no obligation, no pressure.