TJ McCoy, Founder of Master Caregivers, was our guest speaker. He was accompanied by his wife, Meraiah McCoy, and assistant, Amanda Campbell. TJ opened the meeting by sharing his background, including his time playing football for the Florida Gators, which was cut short due to injury. He explained how this life event led him to his passion for helping communities, especially individuals with special needs. 

This year, TJ was honored, by Governor DeSantis and wife, Casey, with the 2024 Hero Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging his commitment to providing high-quality care and organizing events for children and adults with special needs.

We prepared a set of questions to better understand how services at Master Caregivers are managed. 

1a. How are you paid?

1b. Do you handle all payroll for employees?

Response: We are paid through APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities). The approved hourly rate is $16, but we pay our employees $17.50.

2 Are criminal history and background checks required for employees?

Response: Yes, we require background checks for all employees. Additionally, they undergo training before being introduced to clients.

3a. How do you manage record-keeping (timesheets, accident reports, etc.)?

3b. How are these records audited, and do clients/families have access?

3c. How is this information shared?

Response: Our employees receive examples of how to properly complete timesheets. Timesheets document the needs and experiences of the clients.

4. Do you work to match staff with clients?

Response: Yes, our number one objective is to introduce staff to clients first for approval.

5a. What happens if a client and employee don’t get along?

5b. What specific steps do you take?

Response: If it’s apparent right away that the match isn’t working, adjustments are made. If issues arise later, the client should contact our office immediately.

6a. How do you ensure personnel engage effectively with their clients?

6b. Can you share any examples?

Response: The Service Log (timesheet) should reflect client activities. We strongly encourage communication between staff and clients.

7a. What’s the backup plan when staff calls in sick? 

7b. Is there a specific roster of backup staff?

Response: We are constantly hiring staff to maintain a roster of available backup personnel.

8a. How do you handle holidays? 

8b. How are clients informed?

Response: We encourage our employees to spend holidays with their families. Special arrangements for clients should be made in advance.

9. Do you work with Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) families?

Response: We prefer not to, as it’s difficult to find employees willing to work without an established schedule.

10a. Can you explain your policies on gift-giving and employee-family relationships? 

10b. What are the ethical boundaries, and how are staff trained?

Response: We do not encourage gift-giving to maintain professional boundaries.

11. How can parents plan for the time when they are no longer here to care for their children?

Response: Our goal is to assist families long-term, ensuring continuity of care.

12. If you were a parent in our position, what would you say we need to know?

Response: Maximize the hours provided for your client and maintain open communication with all parties.

Finally, we asked TJ what questions we might have missed. He also shared plans for the future, including looking into starting a day program and group home in The Villages.