What is a care manager?
A Geriatric Care Manager is a professional who has knowledge and experience in working with older people and their families. Many older people are no longer able to manage their own medical needs, require assistance in obtaining home care or health care services, need assistance with daily living arrangements, or making plans for long-term, future care needs. Many Geriatric Care Managers have training in gerontology, social work, nursing or counseling. They also have knowledge about the cost, quality and availability of services in the community.

How do I know I need to hire a care manager?
If you are concerned about the well-being of an older adult who is struggling with health or quality of life concerns, then you might want to use the services of a geriatric care manager. Click here for a list of ‘danger signals’ to watch out for.

Do all care management companies provide the same services?
Geriatric care management is an evolving profession, and services can vary significantly from company to company. Some care management companies provide assessments and care consultations but do not provide ongoing care. Others provide a variety of ongoing services. It is important that the practice setting and specialties meet your needs and your parent’s needs.

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Are care managers licensed?
Professional care managers are usually nursing or social work professionals who specialize in geriatrics many of whom do have certification in the field of care management. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers is mandating by the year 2008 that care managers obtain their certification. Feel free to ask about licenses, experience and training in gerontology and human services when you are inquiring about a care manager or care management company.

Do you have references?
Of course. If you would like references, please let us know and we welcome the opportunity to provide you with them.

Are you a home health agency?
We are not a home health agency. However, care managers work closely with home health agencies as a liaison to coordinate home health care for clients who require the services of an aide, nursing staff, etc.

Does one care manager see my parent, or are there many different people?
We believe in matching one care manager with a specific client whose needs will be best served by that particular care manager. The primary care manager does however have a “back-up” care manager who will provide service to a client in the event the primary care manager is out ill, on vacation, etc.

When are you available?
We are available on a 24/7 basis. We are always on-call to serve the needs of our client.

Is someone on-call every evening and on the weekends?
A designated care manager is on-call every evening and every weekend. This is accomplished on a rotating schedule.

How quickly do you respond?
We provide support and service to a client immediately upon receiving a client’s telephone call.

What do I do if my parent has an emergency?
If your parent resides in an assisted living facility, the care manager is contacted by the facility. If the client is taken by ambulance to a hospital, the care manager will meet the client in the emergency room, coordinate with emergency room personnel on the client’s behalf, ease the client’s apprehension and of course, communicate with the family members as to the status of the client. If a client is living at home independently or with the assistance of a home health aide, the same procedure is followed. Many emergencies occur that do not require a client to be taken to a hospital but often to an outpatient emergency clinic and the same procedures outlined above are followed and the care manager who may transport the client.

How can I communicate with you?
You can contact a care manager by calling the main Parent Care office, by contacting the care manager personally, by e-mail, or fax. We want you to choose which is most convenient for you to communicate with us on a regular basis.

Do you attend medical appointments with my parent?
Our care managers take clients to medical appointments and act as an advocate for the client as well as a liaison for the family members, many of whom live outside of the area. We communicate on the client and family’s behalf with physicians and their staff.

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What if my parent needs to move to an assisted living facility?
We are experienced in transitioning clients from their home living independently to an assisted living facility. We have a wide range of resources available to assist a client and the family members to facilitate an “effortless” move.

Can you help with my parent’s medication management?
We coordinate with a client’s physician and area pharmacies, some of which prepare prescription med boxes that assist a client to be able to take their medication as prescribed. These pharmacies also serve our client’s needs by providing a delivery service. A care manager also personally oversees and educates the client on how to properly use the med box. We coordinate with home health personnel so that they can assist the client in proper medication management.

What happens if my parent’s care manager goes on vacation?
Every care manager has a back-up care manager. The back-up care manager takes over for the primary care manager in serving your parent’s needs.

How do we find the appropriate services in town?
A care manager has knowledge of the local providers and accessibility to specialized resources within the community. Remember, the care manager is your advocate and liaison as well.

How often do you check on my parent?
Following the initial assessment, the care manger will speak with you and/or your parent to outline a particular plan of care tailored for your parent’s specific needs. Fees and costs are discussed and a plan of care agreed upon. Every client is different and thus, every schedule for a client varies.

Will you arrange various activities for my parent?
The care manager will communicate with you to determine the type of activities you would like your parent to participate in and/or be taken to. All activities will of course depend on your parent’s health. These activities can range from attending art therapy classes, music therapy classes, going on an outing to lunch, shopping, seeing an art exhibit or attending an event at the Naples Philharmonic, etc.

What are your rates?
Our rates correlate with our professional credentials and the standard charged within the community. We welcome you to contact us at any time so that we can discuss our rates personally.

Are your services covered by Medicare or other insurance?
Care management services are billed privately and generally, not covered by Medicare or supplemental health insurance. However, some clients may have a long-term health policy and services may be covered. The supplemental and long-term care coverage policies will need to be reviewed to see if the service is considered covered.

Do you require a signed contract?
No, you are not required to sign a contract for our services. Client services are on a “fee for service” basis. The only document required to begin services is a “Release for Information and Authorization for Services”.