Frequently Asked Questions
How much will care cost?
The cost of care depends on a whole host of factors. That’s why ECC takes the time to understand the big picture: current symptoms, functionality, disease process, prognosis, resources (family, financial), insurance and the like. The care plan we develop with you considers all of those factors and helps you understand the costs associated with the various options.
Are elder care expenses tax deductible?
Some of the costs may be tax deductible. We suggest that families talk to their accountants about all the costs incurred.
What is care management?
Care management is the relationship between a client, family and an elder care expert. It can include a stand-alone consultation or can be an on-going or episodic relationship. Care Managers are professional educated practitioners who provide family members with expertise concerning care options and connect them with appropriate resources.
Where can I learn more about dementia?
In addition to the expertise of our team, there are many resources regarding the various forms of dementia. ECC can help connect you to those educational and emotional supports.
What is your approach to palliative care and pain management at the end of life?
We believe that the most important aspects of end of life care are the goals of the client and family and open communication with a responsive medical team. It is important to us to get to know what those goals are and facilitate family discussions that help illuminate them. We hope to help provide the highest quality of life throughout the life process by working with other professionals to manage any pain or distress the patient experiences.
How often can I contact the team?
We encourage you to contact your care manager when you have the need. There may be a change of circumstance or you simply have a question. Please call.
What is advocacy in care management?
Advocacy is one of the most important things we do. Whether getting attention and care for a patient in a hospital emergency room, solving problems in home or facility-based care, or speaking with primary care or specialty physicians, the goal is to be sure the patient’s needs are adequately addressed. As advocates, we ensure that the patient and family member have the self-determination they are entitled to.
What are cognitive or capacity assessments?
We use a variety of means to determine each client’s cognitive and functional strengths and impairments. Observation, conversation, and experience guide the assessment. We may do brief tests (mental status exam) or speak and with other professionals who know the patient. We do these things in a way that does not intimidate the patient. Generally informal conversations with family members and the patient can offer the best insight into functional capacities.
As a child of an elderly parent, how can I best help my parents?
Probably the most important aspects of caring for a parent are open conversations and whatever involvement you are able to provide. Getting to know what your parent’s needs and life goals are. It would also be helpful for you to understand the more practical aspects, such as financial resources and insurance coverage.
These conversations are sometimes difficult. We are skilled and experienced at helping family members have these difficult conversations. Siblings, spouses and patients do not always agree on the best course of action. We can help educate everyone impartially so that decisions are based on the best information possible. We help mediate the differences.
Do you provide chronic care management? Transitional care management?
We provide both chronic and transitional care management. We also provide episodic care management. The type and amount of care management is determined by the client and can be reassessed over time.
A transitional care management intervention may turn into a chronic care management arrangement when the family decides that would be helpful. It may be that after the initial care plan is implemented, the patient has a period of stability when little active care management is necessary.
The type and extent of our care management changes according to the circumstances. For example, if there is a change in medical condition or functionality, whether it is a result of a slow decline (chronic care management) or a sudden change, (crisis care management) we can alter our care management involvement to better meet your goals.
