Most Frequently Asked Care Questions
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How Much Will The Care Cost?
The cost of care varies widely based on many factors. At Guiding Seniors LLC, we take the time to understand the complete situation: current health symptoms, how well the person functions day-to-day, the progression and expected outcome of any diseases, available resources including family support and finances, as well as insurance coverage.
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The care plan we create with you will take all these factors into account and will help you understand the costs related to different care options.
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Are Elder Care Expenses Tax Deductible?
Although Elder Care Services are private pay yet, some of the costs might be tax-deductible. We recommend that families discuss all incurred costs with their accountants.
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What is Care Management?
​Care management involves a partnership between a client, their family, and an elder care expert. This relationship can be a one-time consultation or continue regularly or as needed. Care Managers are trained professionals who help families understand care choices and connect them with the riIn addition to the expertise of our team, there are many resources regarding the various forms of dementia. Guiding Seniors LLC can help connect you to those educational and emotional supports right resources.
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Where Can I Learn More About Dementia?
Along with our team's expertise, there are many resources available about different types of dementia. Guiding Seniors LLC can help you access these educational and emotional support resources.
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What Is Your Approach To Palliative Care and Pain Management At End Of Life?
We believe that understanding the goals of the client and their family, along with maintaining open communication with a responsive medical team, are crucial aspects of end-of-life care. It's important for us to understand these goals and help facilitate discussions within the family to clarify them.
Our aim is to enhance the quality of life for our clients by collaborating with other professionals to manage any pain or distress the patient may experience.
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How Often Can I Contact The Team?
​We encourage you to reach out to your care manager whenever you need, whether due to a change in circumstances or if you just have a question. Please feel free to call us.
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What Is Advocacy In Care Management?
Advocacy is a key part of our role. Whether it's ensuring a patient receives proper attention in an emergency room, addressing issues in home or facility care, or communicating with doctors, our main goal is to make sure the patient's needs are fully met. As advocates, we work to guarantee that both the patient and their family have the control and input they deserve in their care decisions.
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What Are Cognitive Or Capacity Assessments?
We use several methods to assess each client’s mental and physical capabilities and challenges. We rely on observation, conversation, and our experience to guide this evaluation. We might conduct short tests, like a mental status exam, or consult with other professionals familiar with the patient. We ensure that our approach is gentle and non-intimidating. Often, casual conversations with the patient and their family members provide the most valuable insights into the patient’s abilities.
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As A Child Of An Elderly Parent, How Can I Best Help My Parents?
Preventative measures are key and one of the most crucial parts of caring for a parent is having open conversations and being as involved as possible. It's important to understand your parent’s needs and life goals, as well as practical details like their financial resources and insurance coverage.
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These discussions can sometimes be challenging. We have the skills and experience to help families navigate these tough conversations. It's common for siblings, spouses, and patients to have different opinions on what to do next. We can provide unbiased education to everyone involved so that decisions are made based on the best information available. We also help mediate any differences.
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Do You Provide Chronic Care Management? Transitional Care Management?
We offer three types of care management: chronic, transitional, and episodic. The specific type and amount of care we provide depends on the client’s needs and can change over time.For example, what starts as transitional care management during a period of change for the patient may become chronic care management if the family finds ongoing support beneficial. Sometimes, after setting up an initial care plan, the patient may experience a stable period where less active care management is needed.
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Our care management approach adapts to the patient’s changing circumstances. If there's a shift in the medical condition or daily functioning—whether it's a gradual decline needing chronic care, or a sudden issue requiring immediate attention—we adjust our involvement to align with your goals and needs.
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What is provider coordination?
Provider coordination consultants act as liaisons between families and service ​
service providers, ensuring that the myriads of services from in-home care to specialized medical treatment - work in concert to serve the best interests of the elderly.
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What is education and advocacy?