When families call Kore Cares, it is usually because something has already happened. A fall. A stroke. A hospital stay. Gabrielle Hoing spent more than two decades in geriatric care and helped build 11 private duty agencies across 8 states before founding Kore Cares in South Dakota 10 years ago.

In this episode, Gabrielle answers the exact questions adult children ask when they are figuring out whether it is time to get help for an aging parent, what in-home care actually covers, how Medicare and Medicaid pay (and don't pay) for care at home, and how to tell a good agency from a bad one.

KORE CARES OPEN HOUSES

Kore Cares is celebrating 10 years of helping South Dakotans live safely at home. Stop by any of the open houses, enter raffles, meet caregivers, and ask questions.

Sioux Falls Kore Cares Open House. Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Yankton Kore Cares Open House. Thursday, April 23, 2026. 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Brookings Kore Cares Open House. Monday, April 27, 2026. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Brookings Activity Center.

Watertown Kore Cares Open House. [DATE AND LOCATION TO ADD].

Learn more, find your nearest office, or request a complimentary in-home consultation at korecares.com.

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

What are the signs someone needs in-home care? Gabrielle lists the specific behaviors families notice first: exhaustion after light housework, avoiding the shower for fear of falling, skipping physician visits to avoid a care recommendation, unexplained weight loss, driving changes, and isolation. The pattern she sees most often is families waiting until a crisis forces the call.

What is the difference between home care and home health care? Home health care is typically Medicare-covered, tied to a physician order, and focused on skilled therapy after an illness or hospital stay. Home care is non-medical daily support: bathing, dressing, meal prep, laundry, med setups, companionship, and ongoing nursing services. Kore Cares offers both.

Does Medicare cover in-home care? Medicare covers short-term skilled services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy after a qualifying hospital stay. Medicare does not cover custodial or personal care at home. For non-medical home care, the payer options are Medicaid, the VA, long-term care insurance, or private pay.

How do I choose a trustworthy home care agency? Ask about mission and ownership, training process, CPR and dementia certification, background checks, quality assurance, and backup coverage when a caregiver calls out. South Dakota does not currently regulate private pay home care, which makes these questions especially important.

How do I talk to my parent about getting a caregiver? Gabrielle's approach: start with observations, not conclusions. Frame the ask around yourself if needed. Give them time. Most people come around when they have space to think about the impact on themselves and their family.

Is in-home care only for seniors? Kore Cares serves anyone 18 and older, plus pediatric cases case-by-case. About 40 percent of clients are under 65, including people recovering from surgery or injury, people living with disabilities, and people managing chronic illness.

ABOUT KORE CARES

Kore Cares is a locally owned home care agency serving 43 counties and 111 cities across South Dakota, including Aberdeen, Brookings, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. They offer personal care, companion care, skilled nursing, and their Care Connection service for families who are not sure what they need yet.

Website: korecares.com
Sioux Falls office: 605-275-2344
Facebook: Kore Cares

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