FAQs

 Frequently Asked Questions

1
 I know my mother needs help, but how do I determine what kind of help she needs?
ElderCare Connections specializes in the field of aging and caregiving, ElderCare Connections will make recommendations about the services and care your mother needs. We will base our recommendations on a comprehensive, in-home assessment of her living situation, her functional, medical and emotional status, consultations with her doctors, as well as relevant financial and legal factors.
2
 I live in a different state from my parents. They don't really need any one to take care of them now, but is there someone I could call in an emergency?
We offer a monthly monitoring service, which would give you peace of mind. In order to be able to effectively respond to and resolve a crisis, however, we must first conduct an initial assessment of your parents' present situation. Then we will make weekly telephone calls and a monthly visit to identify potential problems before they become emergencies.
3
 Does Medicare cover the services provided by ElderCare Connections?
Generally Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care services (non-skilled care) such as those offered by ElderCare Connections. Medicare pays for medically necessary, skilled nursing care or brief “intermittent” home health care for specific medical conditions and usually following an episode of acute illness.
4
 Does Long-Term Care Insurance cover the services provided by ElderCare Connections?
Long Term Care Insurance , may provide a Geriatric Care Management benefit depending on the policy and background and need of the individual case and coverage.  Please refer to the individual insurance carrier to determine covered benefits.
5
 My father is lonely since my mother passed away. Can you help me find community services that will help my father with his isolation?
We are very familiar with many of the public, non-profit and private programs in the community and are also skilled at locating and evaluating community resources with which we have not had recent experience. Once we assess your father's situation we can determine which programs might be most helpful and assist with the application and introduction process.
6
 Our mother lives in another part of the country. My sisters and I feel it is time to move her closer to us. Can you help us select the right type of facility?
Selecting a facility – whether it be an independent living complex, an assisted living facility or a nursing home – is a major life decision and ElderCare Connections can guide you in conducting due diligence before making a choice. Our professional staff will ascertain what appropriate options are available based on an assessment of your mother's current living situation, functional, medical and emotional status, as well as relevant financial and legal factors. We will then conduct an up-to-the minute facility evaluation to determine which ones best meet your mother's individual needs as well as the family's preference.
7
 My mother lives alone. She doesn't need or want someone to take care of her but I worry whether she is eating well, going to her doctors and living safely. Can you “check-up” on her?
Our professional staff can make regular telephone calls and home visits to assess whether your mother is eating nutritional meals and taking medications as prescribed. We can even help her fill her prescriptions and purchase her groceries. We will also conduct a home safety evaluation and help you and your mother formulate an emergency response plan. Our professionals can accompany her to the doctor, report on significant concerns between visits and advocate for good care. If we detect a problem we will contact you.
8
 Does your staff provide 24 hours, 7-day a-week on-call availability?
Although ElderCare Connections does not provide “hands-on” 24 hours, 7-day a week on-call availability, we do contract out to various local homecare agencies that do, who will subsequently update our staff at the earliest instance.