What is a Professional Geriatric Care Manager?
A Geriatric Care manager is an experienced professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with elder care.
Why should I use a Professional Geriatric Care Manager?
A professional Geriatric Care Manager will save you time and money. The GCM knows what resources are available and will be able to navigate the senior web of resources for your loved one – based on their needs. The GCM knows where to direct you to maximize insurance coverage and find the best service for the cost.
What are the services a GCM provides?
- personalized assessment, recommendations and comprehensive care plans
- guidance and planning for future needs
- communication to the family
- 24 hour availability
- maximize insurance benefits
- ongoing advocacy, support and education
- referrals to appropriate elder care services
Does Insurance pay for the Care Management services or private care services?
Typically these services are private pay unless the individual has a Long Term Care Policy and they may pick up cost based on the benefits. We will maximize any insurance the individual has to their benefit. Individuals may qualify for services to be a tax deduction. Please check with your tax accountant.
What does the Geriatric Care assessment consist of?
The assessment usually takes about two hours to be completed – this is done in the senior’s home. The assessment looks at psychosocial aspects – how they complete their activities of daily living, how they process information and daily functional levels. Individuals are more relaxed in their own environment and are typically able to give an accurate picture of their needs.
What happens after the assessment process?
The Geriatric Care Manager will come back to meet with the senior and their family to discuss the findings and recommendations, with regard to sensitivity on certain subject matters to let the senior maintain their dignity. The senior and family can then discuss the information provided and decide how to proceed.
Aren't these services available for free through government agencies or Medicare?
Medicare only covers skilled care needs – services that are performed by a nurse or therapist. Social Services offer limited services to indigent individuals who otherwise may receive no services at all. The very wealthy often have no trouble obtaining and paying for the care they need. If you are neither indigent nor extremely wealthy, often times your needs fall through the cracks.
Where do you provide services?
Geriatric Care Management Services is based in Allen Park, Michigan. We provide Care Coordination and Care Management in southeast Michigan for the five county areas, including Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne. Our Personal Care service providers are available within a 30 mile radius of metro Detroit.
Care Coordination and Personal Care
What type of care do you provide?
We provide the following services in the client's home:
- companionship & conversation
- bathing, grooming, dressing
- personal hygiene
- mobility assistance & transfers
- toileting and Incontinence assistance
- meal preparation & clean up
- light housekeeping & laundry
- organize closets & pantries
- medication reminders
- errands & transportation
- playing games/card
- outings
- Alzheimer’s & dementia care
Do you have a minimum number of hours to come out?
We have a three hour minimum for personal care staff to come out each visit
Can I split the hours up?
No it is three hours each visit. We do have a bath visit that is typically an hour and a half. We can provide 24 hour care support seven days a week.
Does insurance pay for personal care services?
Typically these services are private pay unless the individual has a long term care policy and they will pick up cost based on the benefits. We will maximize any insurance the individual has to their benefit. Individuals may qualify for services to be a tax deduction. Please check with your tax accountant.
How do I know my loved one is in good hands?
All Geriatric Care Management employees are background checked and drug screened. They have monthly education and in-services throughout the year on various topics that assist them.
How quickly can services start?
Typically we ask for 24-48 hours to staff a case – but in a crisis situation we can typically find someone within 8 hours or less.
Is there a contract that has to be signed?
No. We ask you sign an “Agreement for Care” ensuring we are all on the same page with cost, billing practices, expectations of care, etc. We understand that things may change for the client in a matter of hours and you are not bound by a contract.