Who is eligible for Care Management?

Eligible clients are older adults, age 65+ or others with chronic medical needs. Specifically, those residing in the greater Cleveland area, wanting assistance with coordinating or managing available services as well as seeking assistance with in-home care or finding alternative housing.

Is there a Cost for Services?

Yes. Geriatric Care Management is a fee-based service. Accordingly, each client will pay for services by the hour.

Does Medicaid or Medicare cover this Service?

Unfortunately, no. In fact, the service is not reimbursed by medical insurance. However, if the senior has long-term care insurance, he/she will need to check with a representative to see if his/her plan covers Care Management services.

What are the benefits of using a Care Manager?

• Not only personalized but also compassionate service focused on the individual’s wants and needs.
• Continuity of care while communications are coordinated between family members, doctors and other professionals, as well as service providers.
• Cost containment so that inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.
• Quality control with Certified Geriatric Care Managers who are members of the Aging Life Care Association™ (ALCA). Members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.

How does a Geriatric Care Manager help families that live long distances away make geriatric healthcare decisions?

A Geriatric Care Manager can be the point of contact for families at a distance. Therefore, not only will he/she take care of all aspects of the senior’s geriatric healthcare — socialization, getting to appointments, and being there for emergencies — the Geriatric Care Manager will also keep the family up to date every step of the way.

My family is not on the same page. In spite of this, how can an Geriatric Care Manger help us to agree on a plan?

Finding the right path is critical during periods of transition for a senior. Family members with strong and opposing views can benefit from the professional objectivity derived from engaging an experienced individual. To begin with, Geriatric Care Managers can help families create a plan and reach a consensus to move forward to best serve the senior’s geriatric healthcare needs.

Hospital Discharge is coming up. What do I do now? What questions should I be asking? How do I arrange for home care? How do I ensure that all resources are in place at home: equipment, supplies, and medications?

Families are often caught off guard by a hospitalization. Regardless of diagnosis, our care managers are ready to meet you in the hospital, facilitate communication with medical professionals and help plan your next move. After hospitalization, the transition home is critical and requires attention to multiple tasks in a short period of time. Therefore, a Geriatric Care Manager will ensure that the details get handled in a professional, timely manner. From home care to medical equipment to medication compliance — we are here to help ensure the best transition home. Careplan has over 25 years of discharge planning. As a result, we can ease the transition for your family and your parent.

Should Mom move out of her home? Is a move the best option? What level of care do my parents require? Should they move in with me? How will I manage all of the logistical tasks?

Families want to do the right things for their loved one. So Care Manager’s comprehensive home care assessments addresse the needs and preferences of all involved. They also give families the tools to understand the situation, provide appropriate geriatric healthcare options and support them in making the best decisions. Careplan has experience working in all levels of care including Independent, Assisted, Rehabilitation, and nursing home living. In short, we will help you understand the differences so you can make an informed decision.

My parents won’t listen to me. How do I get them to accept help?

Life Care Managers understand seniors’ underlying concerns. Still, each situation is unique. Life Care Managers are experienced and well equipped in their approach to addressing home care needs. With this in mind, it often takes an outside professional to help families realize their options and obtain the care needed in a positive, non-threatening manner.