FAQ — Senior Assistance Services in Des Moines | Amy's Helpers

Question 1

What services does Amy's Helpers provide?

Accepted Answer

Amy's Helpers provides non-medical senior assistance in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area, including light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, running errands, companion visits, non-medical monitoring and accompaniment to doctor appointments or social outings. We help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life at home and in the community.

Question 2

Is Amy's Helpers a medical provider?

Accepted Answer

No — we are a non-medical support agency. We focus on household assistance, errands, and companionship. We do not provide skilled nursing, hands-on medical care, or medication administration.

Question 3

Can Amy's Helpers accompany my loved one to doctor appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our caregivers gladly accompany seniors to appointments, errands, and outings. Please note that caregivers do not provide transportation in personal or agency vehicles. Transit is handled via family members, third-party services (such as Uber or senior transit), or by driving the client's own vehicle if the client's auto insurance explicitly permits third-party drivers.

Question 4

Do you offer non-medical recovery care after surgery or hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer non-medical recovery support for seniors returning home after surgery or a hospital stay — including help with errands, light housekeeping, meal prep assistance, and companionship during the recovery period.

Question 5

What kinds of errands and shopping can Amy's Helpers assist with?

Accepted Answer

We handle grocery runs, pharmacy pickups, dry cleaning, post office trips, and other everyday errands. We can shop with your loved one or run errands on their behalf — whatever works best for their situation.

Question 6

What does home cleaning and laundry assistance include?

Accepted Answer

Our home cleaning assistance covers light housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, bathroom and kitchen cleaning, and tidying common areas. Laundry assistance includes washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes and linens.

Question 7

What kinds of outings and companionship activities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We can accompany seniors on walks in the park, lunch and dinner outings, visits to concerts, the library or community center, social events, and other activities they enjoy. The goal is safe, meaningful time reducing isolation and brightening everyday life.

Question 8

What areas does Amy's Helpers serve?

Accepted Answer

Amy's Helpers serves seniors and families throughout the greater Des Moines metro area. Initially, our primary focus is the western suburbs within about 15 minutes of Urbandale — including Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, Johnston, Waukee, Grimes, and Windsor Heights. If you're unsure whether we cover your neighborhood, give us a call at (515) 218-9292.

Question 9

Do you provide senior assistance in West Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amy's Helpers proudly serves seniors and families in West Des Moines, Iowa. We offer the same full range of services — errands, appointments, outings, cleaning, and companionship — throughout the West Des Moines area, including Clive, Urbandale, Grimes, and all westrn suburbs.

Question 10

Do you serve seniors in Ankeny, Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve Ankeny as part of our greater Des Moines service area. Families in Ankeny can reach us at (515) 218-9292 to discuss their loved one's needs and schedule a free consultation.

Question 11

Is Amy's Helpers available in Urbandale, Clive, Grimes, Waukee, and Johnston?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amy's Helpers serves all of these communities — Urbandale, Clive, Grimes, Waukee, Johnston, and Windsor Heights — as part of our primary western suburbs service area. We also serve Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona. Call us at (515) 218-9292 to confirm coverage for your neighborhood.

Question 12

How much does Amy's Helpers cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the type of service, frequency, and duration of care needed. We offer flexible scheduling — from occasional help to regular weekly visits. Call us at (515) 218-9292 or send a message to discuss your family's needs and get a personalized quote.

Question 13

Do you require a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Amy's Helpers does not require long-term contracts. We offer flexible scheduling so you can get help as often or as infrequently as your family needs — whether that's once a month, once a week, or more frequently.

Question 14

Do you accept Long-Term Care Insurance or VA Benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we do not bill insurers directly, clients pay us at the time of service and we provide a complete reimbursement packet — including itemized invoices, paid receipts, visit logs, and a Provider Info Sheet with our EIN and insurance credentials — to submit to their insurer for direct reimbursement.

Question 15

What hours is Amy's Helpers available?

Accepted Answer

Our office is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturdays, 8am to 2 pm by calling 515-218-9292. Service hours for helpers may vary based on your scheduling needs — contact us to discuss availability for your specific situation and location.

Question 16

How are your caregivers screened?

Accepted Answer

Every caregiver undergoes a thorough vetting process of background checks. Caregivers also hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.

Question 17

Is Amy's Helpers locally owned?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amy's Helpers is a locally owned, family-operated business based in the Des Moines metro area — not a national franchise. We're your neighbors, and we genuinely care about every client and family we serve.

Question 18

How is Amy's Helpers different from a home health agency?

Accepted Answer

Amy's Helpers focuses on non-medical assistance — the everyday practical and social support that helps seniors stay independent and comfortable at home. Unlike a home health agency, we do not provide nursing care or medical services.

We're the right fit for families who need reliable, compassionate help with daily life so their loved one can maintain the highest level of independence possible with a "safety net" of regular check-ins and routine assistance with chores and outings.

Question 19

Will my loved one have a consistent helper?

Accepted Answer

We strive to match each client with a consistent helper so your loved one can build a trusting, comfortable relationship. Consistency matters to us — familiar faces make a real difference in the quality of care and companionship we provide.  We try to introduce "backup helpers" early in the process in case scheduling or unexpected events make the primary caregiver unavailable.

Question 20

How does getting started work?

Accepted Answer

Our onboarding process is quick and stress-free. 
First, we have a quick phone overview to discuss your loved one's needs and schedule. Then you pick a date for the first visit. On the first visit, Amy sits down for 5–10 minutes to review tasks, emergency contacts, and our intake agreement. After that brief setup, service begins immediately.  If you prefer, we can arrange a separate free in-home visit beforehand.

Question 21

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're happy to have a no-obligation conversation about your family's needs. Call us at (515) 218-9292 Monday through Saturday, 8am to 6pm, or send us a message and we'll get back to you promptly.

Question 22

What if I'm not sure what kind of help my loved one needs?

Accepted Answer

That's completely normal — many families aren't sure where to start. Just give us a call at (515) 218-9292 and we'll talk through your situation together. We're experienced at helping families identify the right level of support, and we're happy to guide you through the process.  It's normal that needs may change and adjustments can be made as necessary.

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