Q:
When I call my mother after her medical appointments, it is clear
she doesn’t remember what the doctor said. How can I be sure
she follows medical advice?
A:
ElderCare Strategies care managers can accompany
clients to medical appointments, provide advocacy and information
to the doctor to ensure an effective medical evaluation, and then
communicate any pertinent information back to the family, the facility,
other healthcare providers or caregivers who have a need to know.
Q: Are your services covered by insurance?
A:
There
are some long term care insurance policies that will cover care
management; however, it is not currently covered by Medicare, Medicaid
or most other private insurers at this time.
Q: I would like to keep my parents in their home as long
as possible. How do I know what they need now and into the future?
A:
ElderCare
Strategies offers a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental
health, medical and psychosocial issues, and the safety of the home
environment. Upon completion of this assessment, recommendations
and arrangements can be made for the various services that would
be useful for your parents to remain safely and comfortably at home.
Through ongoing reassessment visits, their changing needs can be
monitored and addressed in a timely manner.
Q: What if I just need some advice and guidance regarding my husband?
A:
A
Consultation with an ElderCare Strategies staff member can provide
you with the information that will specifically address the situation
you are experiencing. At the end of a consultation, you will have
resources and a plan to manage your specific circumstances.
Q: I live across country. How will you keep me informed
about my mom?
A:
We
will communicate with you in any way and on any basis you wish.
Some clients prefer a phone call after each visit, others wish a
written report once a month, and of course, email is an option being
requested by more and more clients. If email is used, we take careful
steps to protect confidentiality by not using full names. If vital
information is being exchanged, it is always safer to communicate
by phone or mail. When we conduct the assessment or consultation,
we determine your preference for communication at that time.
Q: If I hire you to be our parents’ care manager,
how often do you get involved?