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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything families want to know about Butterfly Home Care — honest, straightforward answers.

GETTING STARTED

Getting started is simple. Reach out by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation. We listen to your situation, answer your questions, and learn about your loved one’s needs and daily routines. From there, we conduct an assessment and build a personalized care plan before any services begin. There is no pressure and no obligation — just an honest conversation about how we can help.

In many cases, we can begin the process immediately after your initial call. Once we complete the intake assessment and care plan, services can often start within days depending on your location and level of care needed. If you are in an urgent situation, let us know and we will do everything we can to move quickly.

To get started, it helps to have a general picture of your loved one’s needs, diagnosis, daily routine, and any existing care plans or therapy recommendations. If you have a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or documentation from a school or therapist, that is helpful but not required. Our team will guide you through the intake process step by step.
Yes. We believe the relationship between a caregiver and client is the foundation of good care. Whenever possible, we arrange an introduction before the first official visit so the individual and family can get comfortable before care begins. This is especially important for clients who are sensitive to new people or changes in routine.
The first week is about building familiarity and trust. The caregiver follows the care plan while getting to know the individual’s preferences, communication style, and daily rhythms. We check in with families early and often during this period to make sure everything is going well and to adjust anything that is not quite right.

SERVICES & WHAT TO EXPECT

Autism care at Butterfly goes well beyond basic supervision. Services are built around each individual’s strengths, goals, and sensory needs. This includes:

  • Supervision and safety monitoring
  • Help with routines and transitions
  • Sensory-sensitive care and environmental support
  • Skill building — brushing teeth, bathing, dressing, meal prep, laundry, and more
  • Social skills, communication support, and emotional regulation coaching
  • Behavior support and calm de-escalation
  • Companionship and community engagement
  • Transportation to school, therapy, or community activities
  • Respite support for parents and caregivers

All services are guided by a Person-Centered Plan and an individualized care plan developed with the individual and their family.

Yes. We serve individuals across all age groups — children, teenagers, and adults. Care plans are tailored to the individual’s age, stage of development, and personal goals, whether that means school support for a child or independent living skills for an adult.

Both. Many services take place in the client’s home, but support is not limited to the home environment. Caregivers can accompany clients to school, therapy appointments, medical visits, day programs, community outings, social activities, and everyday errands. Community-based support helps individuals practice real-life skills and stay meaningfully connected.

We support a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Physical disabilities and mobility limitations
  • Other conditions affecting daily functioning and independence

We do not provide skilled medical or nursing care that requires a licensed medical professional. When families need clinical or hospital-level support, we help connect them with the appropriate providers.

We work with families to build a schedule that fits their actual needs. Contact us to discuss what would work for your situation and we will be upfront about what options are available.

No long-term contract is required to begin services. We believe families should feel confident in care before making any extended commitment. We are happy to discuss flexible arrangements that work for your situation.

CAREGIVERS & TRAINING

Yes. Every Butterfly caregiver completes our Butterfly Certified Caregiver program before being assigned to any client. Training is specifically designed for supporting individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other care needs. Core training modules include:

  • Person-centered care and disability understanding
  • Introduction to autism spectrum disorders and IDD
  • Positive behavior support and de-escalation
  • Daily living skills and independence training
  • Communication strategies and relationship building
  • Seizure response and safe transfers
  • Fall prevention, infection control, and emergency preparedness
  • HIPAA, abuse recognition, and professional conduct
Yes. All caregivers complete background checks and employment verification before joining our team. They are also trained in CPR, First Aid, safety procedures, and emergency response. Caregivers are not assigned to any client until all required training is complete.

Caregivers are employees of Butterfly Home Care, not independent contractors. This means they are trained, supervised, and held to our standards of conduct. It also means families have the accountability and consistency that comes from working with a professional agency rather than managing a private hire on their own.

Matching is based on the individual’s care needs, communication style, personality, sensory preferences, and daily routines. We take this seriously because a good match makes a meaningful difference in outcomes. Supervisors and care coordinators are involved in the matching process and remain actively engaged throughout the care relationship.

Tell us. We would rather know right away than have a family feel stuck in a situation that is not working. If a caregiver is not the right match, we will work with you to find a better one as quickly as possible. Finding the right fit is part of our job.
Consistency is something we take seriously, especially for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities who rely on familiar routines and relationships. We make every effort to assign a consistent caregiver and to avoid unnecessary rotation. When a change is needed, we handle the transition thoughtfully and with advance notice.

CARE PLANNING & PERSONALIZATION

Every client receives an individualized care plan built specifically for them. The plan is developed through an assessment and person-centered planning process that involves the individual, their family, and any relevant professionals. Plans are customized based on age, diagnosis, communication style, mobility level, daily routines, preferences, and independence goals. As needs change, plans are reviewed and updated accordingly.
Yes. The best outcomes happen when care is coordinated across everyone involved. Caregivers follow family routines, can reinforce strategies recommended by therapists, and maintain open communication with parents and guardians. They may also assist with school drop-off and pick-up, therapy appointments, and community participation.
Absolutely. Care plans are not static documents. We regularly review and update plans in collaboration with families and supervisors to make sure services continue to align with the individual’s goals, safety, and quality of life. If you notice something is not working or needs to change, contact your care coordinator and we will address it promptly.
Yes. Routine and predictability are especially important for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Caregivers are trained to follow established routines carefully and to introduce any changes gradually and thoughtfully. Before care begins, we take time to understand the exact routines that matter most and make sure they are documented in the care plan.

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS & CONCERNS

This is one of the most important questions families ask, and we want to answer it honestly. Our caregivers are trained in positive behavior support, de-escalation, and behavior support plans. We do not use punitive approaches. We work with families and, when appropriate, behavioral specialists to understand the function behind behaviors and respond in ways that are safe, calm, and consistent. That said, we review each situation individually to make sure we can provide safe and appropriate support before services begin.
Caregivers are trained to support individuals with a wide range of communication needs, including those who are non-verbal. This may include following AAC device use, picture exchange systems, sign language cues, or other communication strategies outlined in the individual’s care plan. If a client uses a specific communication method, we make sure caregivers are familiar with and can support it before services begin.
This is more common than families expect, and we approach it with patience. We take time to introduce the caregiver gradually, follow the individual’s lead, and build trust slowly rather than forcing engagement. In most cases, with the right match and consistent approach, individuals become comfortable over time. We also work closely with families to understand what tends to help and what to avoid.
We can support individuals who have complex needs, including those with co-occurring medical conditions, as long as the medical support required does not need a licensed medical professional. Our caregivers are trained in areas like seizure response, safe transfers, fall prevention, and general health and safety monitoring. We will be transparent with you about what we can and cannot safely provide for your specific situation.
Yes. Caregivers are trained in safe transfers, mobility assistance, and fall prevention. They can support individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids and assist with positioning, movement, and daily activities that require physical support. Care plans address mobility needs in detail so caregivers know exactly what is required.
Yes. Transition age is a critical and often stressful period for families. We can support young adults as they move out of school-based services by focusing on independent living skills, community integration, daily routines, and meaningful activity. We work with families and transition teams to make sure the shift is as smooth as possible.
Yes. We regularly support adults who live independently or semi-independently and need periodic or ongoing support to manage daily routines, household tasks, community access, and safety. Services can be designed around the individual’s level of independence and their specific goals for greater self-sufficiency.

In some situations, yes. This depends on the individual needs of each person and the level of supervision each requires. We review these situations carefully to make sure every individual receives safe, attentive, and appropriate support. Contact us to discuss your specific household situation and we will work with you on the right approach.

COST, FUNDING & INSURANCE

The cost of care depends on the type of support needed, the number of hours per week, and when services occur. We are transparent about our rates before care begins — no hidden fees or surprises. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your situation.
Yes. We actively help families navigate funding options including Medicaid waiver programs, veterans benefits, and long-term care insurance. If you are not sure where to start, reach out to us, and we will walk you through what may be available in your state and situation.,

We accept several payment options:

  • Private Pay — credit cards, debit cards, and direct bank payments
  • Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance — we work with many major LTC insurance providers
  • Veterans Benefits — partnered with Veterans Care Coordination for eligible veterans and spouses
  • Medicaid Waivers — in Virginia, including the CCC+ Waiver and the DD Waiver; in Georgia, programs such as NOW and COMP for individuals with disabilities

If you are unsure what funding you qualify for, we are happy to help you explore your options. Many families are surprised by the support available to them.

RELIABILITY, COMMUNICATION & OVERSIGHT

We understand how disruptive unexpected changes can be, especially for individuals who depend on consistency and routine. If your regular caregiver cannot make it, our coordination team works quickly to arrange a qualified backup and contacts your family as soon as possible. You will never be left without support or without information.

Ongoing communication with families is a core part of how we operate. Caregivers document their visits and report any notable changes or observations. Your care coordinator stays in regular contact and provides updates. If something important happens during a session — a behavioral change, a health concern, or a positive milestone — we make sure you hear about it promptly. You are always welcome to reach out to your coordinator at any time.

Our supervisors conduct regular check-ins and oversight visits to ensure caregivers are following the care plan and meeting expectations. Caregivers document each visit, and our coordination team reviews this regularly. If you ever have questions or concerns about what is happening during a session, contact your coordinator directly — we take those conversations seriously.

Contact your care coordinator directly at any time. We take all feedback seriously, investigate promptly, and follow up with you on what was done. If you feel your concern has not been addressed, you can escalate to agency leadership. Our goal is for every family to feel heard, respected, and confident in the care their loved one is receiving.

We have clear standards of conduct and take any violation seriously. If a caregiver behaves inappropriately — whether it involves safety, professionalism, or conduct — we investigate immediately, remove the caregiver from the placement, and take appropriate corrective action. Families are informed throughout the process. The safety and dignity of our clients is non-negotiable.

FLEXIBILITY & CHANGES OVER TIME

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling and understand that life changes. If your needs increase, decrease, or shift temporarily, we will adjust the care plan accordingly. We ask for reasonable notice so we can plan appropriately, but we will always work with you — not against you — when circumstances change.
Yes. Services can be scheduled based on your needs, including during school hours where appropriate. Caregivers can assist with school drop-off and pick-up, accompany clients to therapy or medical appointments, and provide in-home support during any part of the day. Schedules are built around what your family actually needs.
We plan for this. Care plans are reviewed and updated regularly as individuals grow, develop, and their needs evolve. Whether a child needs more independence support as a teenager, or an adult is working toward greater self-sufficiency, we adjust the level and type of care accordingly. You do not need to start over — we grow with your family.
Supporting community participation and meaningful activity is part of what we do. Caregivers can help individuals explore, prepare for, and participate in employment or volunteer opportunities as part of their person-centered goals. This might include practicing work-related skills, supporting transportation, or helping build the confidence and routines needed to engage in the community.

LOCATIONS & AVAILABILITY

Butterfly Home Care serves families in Northern Virginia and North Atlanta, Georgia.

In Virginia, we serve Loudoun County (Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, and surrounding communities), Arlington County (Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn, Pentagon City, and surrounding neighborhoods), Fairfax County (Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, and more), and the Manassas and Prince William County area (Manassas Park, Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Dumfries, and surrounding communities).

In Georgia, our North Atlanta franchise serves Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Marietta, Smyrna, Suwanee, Duluth, and surrounding communities.

Not sure if we cover your area? Call us and we will let you know right away.

We provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you need a few hours of support on weekday mornings, evening and weekend coverage, or around-the-clock care, we can build a schedule that fits your family’s real needs.

FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

Yes — and this is one of the most important things we want families to hear. Caring for a loved one with a disability is one of the most demanding things a person can do. Taking a break is not giving up; it is how you sustain the capacity to keep showing up. Respite care exists specifically because families need rest, time, and space to stay healthy themselves. Every family we work with who has made use of respite care has told us they wished they had asked sooner.

We hear this often, and we take it seriously. The most common frustrations families describe are inconsistent caregivers, poor communication, undertrained staff, and feeling like just a number. At Butterfly, we address these directly: we prioritize caregiver consistency, train our team specifically for autism and developmental disabilities, stay in active communication with families, and treat every client as an individual with a real care plan — not a schedule to fill. We cannot promise perfection, but we can promise transparency and accountability when things need to be addressed.

When you hire privately, you take on the responsibilities of screening, training, tax withholding, backup coverage, and liability on your own. With Butterfly, all of that is handled. Our caregivers are background-checked, insured, trained through our certification program, supervised, and covered for backup if they cannot make it. You get professional accountability and peace of mind without having to manage it yourself.
Yes. Butterfly Home Care operates as a licensed home care agency and carries appropriate insurance. Our caregivers are employees, not contractors, which means professional standards, oversight, and accountability are built into how we operate. We are happy to provide details specific to your state during our initial consultation.