Frequently Asked Questions

Home care costs in South Carolina typically range from $13-$35 per hour depending on the level of care needed. CNAs typically cost $15-18/hour, while RN services range from $28-35/hour. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and private pay. Many clients qualify for coverage through SC Medicaid CLTC (Community Long Term Care) or Community Choices Waiver programs, which can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Contact us for a free assessment and insurance verification at (803) 661-9072.

Yes! American Allied Health is a licensed and enrolled Medicaid provider in South Carolina. We accept SC Medicaid Community Long Term Care (CLTC) and Community Choices Waiver programs. Our services covered by Medicaid include personal care assistance, homemaker services, respite care, companion care, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. We can help you verify your Medicaid eligibility and guide you through the enrollment process. Call us at (803) 661-9072 to learn more.

American Allied Health proudly serves five counties in South Carolina: Lexington County (Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Chapin), Richland County (Columbia, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood), Kershaw County (Camden, Elgin, Bethune, Lugoff), Fairfield County (Winnsboro, Ridgeway, Jenkinsville), and Sumter County (Sumter, Dalzell, Wedgefield, Pinewood). If you don't see your specific location listed, please call us at (803) 661-9072 as we may still be able to help.

We understand that care needs can be urgent. For private pay clients, we can typically start services within 24-48 hours of your initial call. For Medicaid or insurance-covered services, the timeline depends on authorization approval, which usually takes 3-5 business days. In emergency situations, we prioritize getting you care as quickly as possible. We'll contact you within 24 hours of your inquiry to discuss your needs and begin the process.

Absolutely. Every caregiver at American Allied Health undergoes extensive screening including comprehensive background checks, drug screening, reference verification, and skills assessment. Our CNAs hold active South Carolina certifications, and our nurses (RNs/LPNs) maintain current SC licenses. All caregivers are employees of American Allied Health (not independent contractors), covered by our liability insurance and workers' compensation. We are fully licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (License #2464).

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) has completed formal training and holds a state certification, allowing them to provide more advanced personal care including assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers, and vital signs monitoring. A PCA (Personal Care Assistant) provides companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and basic assistance with daily activities. CNAs typically cost $15-18/hour while PCAs cost $13-15/hour. We'll help you determine which level of care is appropriate for your loved one's needs during our free assessment.

Yes! We carefully match caregivers to clients based on personality, needs, schedule, and preferences. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with your caregiver match, we will provide a replacement at no additional cost. Building a strong, trusting relationship between caregiver and client is essential to quality care, so we work hard to ensure the right fit. You'll meet your caregiver before services begin to ensure compatibility.

We understand the importance of continuity of care. When your regular caregiver is unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other reasons, we provide a qualified substitute caregiver who has been briefed on your loved one's specific needs, preferences, and care plan. We maintain a team of trained caregivers to ensure uninterrupted service. You'll be notified in advance whenever possible about caregiver substitutions. We also offer 24/7 on-call support for any questions or concerns.

Yes, we offer 24/7 live-in care for clients who require around-the-clock assistance and supervision. Live-in caregivers stay in the home and provide care throughout the day and night, with scheduled sleep periods. This option is often more cost-effective than hourly care for clients needing continuous support. We also offer overnight care (8-12 hour shifts) and can customize schedules to meet your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your 24/7 care options and pricing.

Getting started is easy! Simply call us at (803) 661-9072 or fill out our online request form. We'll schedule a free, no-obligation in-home assessment where we'll discuss your loved one's needs, answer questions, and create a personalized care plan. We'll also verify insurance coverage at no cost to you. Most clients can start receiving care within 1-5 days of the initial assessment. You can also visit our office at 3800 Forest Drive, Suite 206, Columbia, SC 29204.