Our Process

A 5-Step Care Management Approach

Elder Care Consultants takes a careful step-by-step approach to serving each client. The development and implementation of a care plan is the result of our understanding of your individual and family needs.

Consultation

Even before care management begins, many clients benefit from an initial consultation. It is a good way for you and your loved one to assess whether Elder Care Consultants is the right match for your family’s situation and it helps us determine which of our care managers is the best fit. Even after a specific care manager is assigned, the entire team remains engaged.  You get the benefit of our combined experience.

We will provide you with a questionnaire to prepare for the consultation. Your answers help us to know the issues that need our focus during the face to face discussion. During the consultation, we learn about what you need and discuss how a care manager can help.

Step 1: Assessment

Your care manager will then begin the vital process of refining the assessment. The care manager will consider all pertinent aspects of your life and care goals, such as the current quality of life, financial resources, general welfare, and safety. Among the factors the care manager will assess are the client’s:

●      Past and present medical history
●      Cognitive and mental health status
●      Functional strengths and challenges
●      Nutritional status
●      Physician involvement and current medical treatment plan
●      Home safety assessment

Step 2: Care Plan

We develop an individualized care plan using the assessment information together with your concerns of our clients. The complete care plan identifies problem areas, establishes goals, suggests detailed interventions to meet those goals, and outlines the costs of the options and alternatives.

The care plan is the road map to the process and is re-assessed and updated as needed so that it addresses any changes in circumstances.

Step 3: Education

We provide information and education to maximize your participation in decision-making and care plan implementation. Awareness of appropriate and alternative choices helps you to make the best decisions. This working partnership helps ensure your right to self-determination.

Step 4: Implementation

Once the care plan is developed, you determine the extent of our involvement in implementing the plan. You don’t need to figure it out alone.

Typically, we work with you to coordinate the involvement and activities of an interdisciplinary team (for example, home health care agency staff, physicians, physical therapists, and facility staff). We then monitor progress and modify the care plan as necessary.

Step 5: Advocacy

No matter where care is provided, whether hospital emergency rooms, rehabilitation facilities, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, or home care, advocacy is critical. Meeting your family’s goals requires ongoing coordination of the interdisciplinary team and attention to the needs and desires of your loved one.

Patients become easily confused, overwhelmed and often lose a certain amount of autonomy. Without an advocate, patients’ questions may go unanswered, goals can be lost, and the care provided may not be what the patient and family want. Each of the people providing care for you or your loved one has a specific area of expertise (medical, for example) and specific responsibilities (medication, disease management). These care providers may not know the patient’s history well.

Our care manager’s responsibility is solely your and your loved one’s.  Because we know you, we can help bridge the gap with the care providers.   Over many years, ECC care managers have carefully established relationships with care providers throughout the community and can artfully step into the advocacy role.

Let us help you and your loved one. Call Elder Consultants today to schedule a consultation.