An Affordable Model of Care Management

Many seniors and their families do not immediately understand how beneficial the services of a professional geriatric care manager can be as they are forced to deal with new and frightening changes and challenges in their lives. One barrier to getting help is fear of the cost of such a service - even though most of us know that quality service and professional experience end up saving us a great deal of time, trouble, and money in the long run.

We all would like to have the most control possible over the scope and cost of the care management needed to take care of a loved one’s problems. Traditionally, there have only been two care options available, leaving very little flexibility in the control of costs: full service care-monitoring by a geriatric specialist, or in-home care provided by an agency requiring guaranteed minimum commitments. On one hand, you might end up paying a highly qualified GCM merely to run simple errands; on the other hand, you might be trusting important care management decisions to the experience and judgment of someone with no more than a high school diploma.

In order to provide a broader range of care services and management along with a more appropriate range of costs, AHL Services offers the Daisy Lady program. This unique extension of services allows a much more flexible care plan customized specifically for the individual needs of each client. Care and management expenditures can be targeted at specific needs with greater efficiency and increased control; overall costs are correspondingly reduced. Here’s how it works:

The Care Management process begins with a thorough assessment of the client’s financial, legal, medical, and social needs (see the Geriatric Assessment & Care Management section of this website) by a Certified Care Manager, and the development of a comprehensive Care Plan.

The Care Plan may include on-going help from the Care Manager; and it will always provide for the Care Manager’s availability and participation whenever care needs change. An outline for the preparation of a typical Care Plan (provided by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) is available for your review.

As a means to facilitate the effective and efficient implementation of the care plan, the Daisy Lady program offers another level of service in geriatric care management. The Care Plan can be fleshed out by providing Daisy Lady assistance in three areas:

· companionship and transportation

· implementation of directives from the Care Manager

(especially with doctors’ appointments)

· personal assistance to deal with legal or financial

issues and applications for benefits

These three areas of service are separately priced, and the client will only be charged for the specific type of help provided. As Care Manager, Anne will manage the process; charges for her time will be limited to the reduced time required to prepare for and evaluate each service as needed.

Daisy Lady services are extremely flexible and cater to individual needs – available for everything from emergency doctor appointments to household moves. A two hour minimum applies, but no recurring commitment is required – assistance is provided only as and when it’s needed.

Finally, the Care Plan may direct you to additional professionals who have expertise in specific areas applicable to your situation, or who may provide the highest quality for the lowest cost, or who may offer services specifically covered by a client benefit. These recommendations include referrals to home care agencies, if there is a need for more than occasional assistance with the activities of daily living.

The Daisy Lady program does not replace necessary and traditional geriatric care management practices. Instead, it augments those services by providing the flexible assistance of mature professionals who can develop a personal relationship with the client - ensuring that not only routine but also unexpected circumstances are attended to in a timely and dignified way.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

· AHL Services is not financially connected with any of the service providers or other entities referred to or recommended in the Care Plan - each one is chosen to meet the client’s unique needs. Alternate providers are available, but we try not to overwhelm you with too many choices right away.

· Care management services are billed monthly, and come in the form of detailed case note summaries with precise times and itemized expenses - there is no confusion about what work was performed, when, and by whom.

· Care management costs and other home or community care expenses may be deductible - please consult with your tax advisor when preparing your annual return.