- Why do I need a Geriatric Care Manager?
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The American Health Care System can offer more than any other in the world, if you know how to make it work for you. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of what benefits they should be receiving, or how to interact with the system to obtain the best services for their situation. Especially in light of the changes that HMOs have brought to our system, the average American often settles for services way below standard. Geriatric Care Managers know this system inside and out and can advocate for you to receive the highest levels of care and coverage that your insurance promises. We can work with "case managers" from insurance companies, discharge planners in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and with home care agencies to ensure that you receive the care you need and deserve. GCMs ensure that the needs of the client are foremost, rather than the needs of the facility or provider.
- Isn't this available for free through government agencies?
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Social Service agencies offer limited services to indigent individuals who otherwise may receive no services at all. The very wealthy often have no trouble obtaining the care they need because they are used to asking for it and paying for it. If you are not indigent, nor extremely wealthy, often times your needs "fall through the cracks." There is less follow-up, very little outreach, and no service which is as comprehensive as private care management can provide.
- How do you work with my mother's doctor and other professionals?
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As the coordinators of care, private care managers work closely with every professional and para-professional involved with your elder's health and well-being. We arrange and attend doctor appointments to ensure that the doctor is getting the full picture and that the elder is able to understand the doctor's instructions. We interface with the home health nurse and aides who are involved, making sure that the plan of care is followed, and that the personal care is properly performed. We work closely with attorneys, financial planners, and clergy, to see that ALL of a person's needs are being met, and not just one area of life. We will talk to these individuals personally and get their input regarding the overall care needs and plan.
- Why do you ask for my or my parents' bank statements and other financial papers?
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At ElderCare Advocates, we believe strongly that the financial aspects of a person's life are as important as the other areas that we assess: medical, legal, social, psychological, and environmental. Without knowing a person's financial strengths and weaknesses, we cannot prepare a realistic long-term plan of care. When we know the answers to the financial questions, we can help you create a plan of care that takes into consideration all of these factors. Many of the options available may be outside of your budget; we have no way of knowing that unless we know the financial picture. We also can help people apply for government assistance if we know that they meet the financial criteria.
- How do I know if I can afford this help?
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Many people believe they cannot afford private care management when they really can. Our initial free consultation uncovers many of these misconceptions. ElderCare Advocates has helped clients save thousands of dollars by recouping insurance monies, applying for assistance programs, and using other cost-effective measures to provide the highest quality care. Investing in your elder's care through care management services is often the best thing you could do for them, and for yourself.
