Question 1

What is a Florida nurse registry, and how is it different from a home health agency?

Accepted Answer

A Florida nurse registry is a state-licensed business that refers credentialed independent-contractor caregivers — like CNAs and Home Health Aides — to families who need non-medical care at home. Unlike a home health agency, the caregiver contracts directly with the client, which keeps costs lower and gives families a more consistent, personal relationship with the same caregiver over time. Both nurse registries and home health agencies are licensed by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), but only home health agencies are authorized to provide skilled nursing services like wound care or IV therapy.

Question 2

Are your caregivers your employees?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Florida Statute 400.506, caregivers referred by a nurse registry are independent contractors, not employees of the registry. They contract directly with you, the client. We are not legally permitted to supervise or manage their day-to-day services, but we do verify every caregiver's credentials, Level 2 background screening, communicable-disease clearance, CPR certification, and training before any referral is made — and your dedicated coordinator is always available to help if you'd like a different match.

Question 3

Who pays the caregiver?

Accepted Answer

You get one simple bill. You pay TrustWise Care one flat $34 per hour, and that single rate covers everything: the caregiver's compensation and our referral and coordination fee. We administer the billing and payments, so your caregiver — an independent contractor who contracts directly with you — is paid reliably every week without you juggling cash, apps, or a second invoice. We'll walk you through every line item at your free consultation so there are no surprises.

Question 4

How are caregivers vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every caregiver we refer has cleared a Level 2 AHCA background screening, holds current CPR certification, has documented communicable-disease clearance, and either holds a valid Florida CNA certificate or has documented completion of at least 40 hours of Home Health Aide training from an approved Florida program. We also verify professional references.

Question 5

What services can a CNA or HHA provide in my home?

Accepted Answer

Under Florida Statute 400.506(6)(b), a referred CNA or HHA in a private residence may help with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, eating, safe physical transfer, and the normal daily routines a person could perform if physically capable. Florida rule FAC 59A-18.0081 also allows light cleaning and straightening to keep the home safe, reporting changes in the client's condition, and assistance with self-administered medication — for example, opening a pill bottle or steadying the client's hand.

Question 6

What can your caregivers NOT do?

Accepted Answer

Referred CNAs and HHAs may not perform medical or nursing tasks. That specifically includes wound care, injections, catheter care, IV therapy, administering (rather than assisting with) medications, and clipping nails for diabetic patients. If your loved one needs any of those services, we'll help you find a licensed home health agency.

Question 7

Does my loved one need to be under a doctor's care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida law requires patients receiving CNA or HHA care at home to be under a physician's care. We'll confirm this during your free consultation and handle the required physician notification within 48 hours — you don't have to do anything.

Question 8

How quickly can you start?

Accepted Answer

Speed matters, especially around a hospital discharge. Call us at (386) 585-7977 and we'll move as quickly as your situation requires — starting with a free in-home consultation, then matching you with the right caregiver. Timing depends on your schedule and caregiver availability in your area.

Question 9

What's the minimum number of hours per visit?

Accepted Answer

Our standard minimum is 4 hours per visit, which is typical across Florida home care. Shorter check-ins can sometimes be arranged for specific situations — ask your care coordinator.

Question 10

Do you charge more for weekends, evenings, or holidays?

Accepted Answer

No. Our flat rate is $34 per hour for standard personal care, companion, and homemaker services — every day, every hour. The only services priced separately are 24/7 live-in arrangements.

Question 11

Do you accept long-term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many of our clients use long-term care (LTC) insurance. We'll help with the documentation and billing assistance most LTC carriers require. Bring your policy to the consultation and we'll walk you through it.

Question 12

Do you accept Medicare?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida nurse registries are not Medicare-certified — Medicare only covers care provided by Medicare-certified home health agencies, and only for medically necessary skilled services. We're happy to explain your options, including private pay, VA benefits, LTC insurance, and Medicaid waivers.

Question 13

What if we don't like the first caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Just tell your coordinator and we'll refer a different caregiver — no awkward conversation required on your end. Personality fit matters, and we'd rather make a change quickly than have anyone feel uncomfortable in their own home.

Question 14

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Volusia County, including Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, South Daytona, Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Deltona, DeBary, DeLand, Orange City, Ponce Inlet, and Flagler Beach. If you're nearby and don't see your town listed, please call.

Question 15

Do you provide 24-hour or live-in care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We refer caregivers for overnight, 24-hour, and live-in arrangements. Because these involve multiple shifts or longer-term contracts, they're quoted separately from the flat hourly rate — usually after a brief conversation about the schedule and care needs.

Question 16

How do you handle emergencies and hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Every client has an emergency plan we update at the start of care. If you or your loved one has a medical condition or disability that may require assistance during a hurricane, we will help you register with the Volusia County Special Needs Registry. We also maintain a continuity plan to keep care going through storms when it's safe.

Question 17

Can you help with someone who has Alzheimer's or dementia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — within the scope of non-medical home care. Our referred caregivers experienced with dementia provide calm, consistent routines, gentle redirection, familiar activities, and patient companionship. We coordinate closely with the family to keep the day predictable, which often helps the most.

Question 18

Can you help after surgery or a hospital stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-hospital and post-surgery support is one of the most common reasons families call us — help with meals, mobility around the house, bathing, and the small daily tasks that suddenly feel harder. We coordinate with discharge planners and can start quickly.

Question 19

Are your caregivers CPR certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every caregiver we refer holds current CPR certification, and we verify it as part of our credentialing file before any referral is made.

Question 20

Can I talk to a real person?

Accepted Answer

Always. Call (386) 585-7977 — phones are answered 7 days a week, and online inquiries get a call back within 15 minutes (7am–9pm daily). You'll never be routed to a phone tree.

Question 21

How do I file a complaint?

Accepted Answer

We hope you'll call us first — your dedicated coordinator can usually resolve concerns quickly. You also have the right at any time to file a complaint about any Florida nurse registry directly with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) at 1-888-419-3456.

Frequently asked questions.

About the registry model

About our caregivers

Services

Getting started

Pricing

Care experience

Service areas

Care options

Safety

Accountability

Ready to talk to someone who'll actually listen?