Listed below are a few of the most common questions Anne encounters from prospective clients and the general public. If you have additional questions or would like more information, you may contact Anne directly by phone or E-Mail.
What does the assessment process entail? The evaluation varies with each client and his or her needs, the family members and support system, and the specific circumstances. Some people may want a complete new intake evaluation while others may want a fresh look at the existing situation. Even in the case of crisis intervention, however, a full evaluation is necessary in order to establish a baseline and determine goals for the future. The concerns of the primary client (and of the family) which a geriatric care manager will address include: A senior's financial and legal security: Are there funds or benefits available to last a lifetime? Is there a budget related to those assets (or a budget of choice) which must be followed carefully? Are adequate and appropriate powers of attorney already in place in order to protect against fraud or mental incapacity? Have end of life plans been carefully considered and clearly documented? Medical treatment: Are the existing arrangements for insurance and medical care adequate to meet current and anticipated needs of the senior? Are appropriate specialists available to address specific care issues like diabetes, cardiac health, mental health? Living environment: Is the senior's living environment safe and appropriate? What changes in living circumstances might be necessary in the future? Social factors: This is the "What makes the client tick?" part of the evaluation. How is he or she unique? Who and what matters to them? What is The Most Important Consideration? The circumstances and wishes of the senior's support network are also important determinants in designing a Plan of Action. Every care plan will produce a course of action, either aimed at an immediate problem (if requested) or, preferably, which provides solutions and referrals anticipating future eventualities - anything which appears in our crystal ball. Whether large or small in scope, that care plan alone, with or without future care management services, will serve as a tool for action. What is the cost of the assessment? All AHL Services fees are billed at hourly rates in quarter-hour increments. A difficult evaluation - due, perhaps, to complex financial, legal, social, and medical issues - will take more time. Confusion or resistance on the part of the senior or family members will also add to the cost. A brief assessment can be completed in three hours, but in many cases the review of records, interviews, and reporting can take up to five hours. The senior is always the client; the care plan itself is always designed in his or her best interests. However, since nobody exists in a vacuum (at least we hope not), some consideration must also be given to the relevant circumstances of family and friends. How much on-going care management will we need? Geriatric care managers do not contract with a client on a retainer basis. You may use our services as much or as little as you desire - or can afford. One of our key values is that once we have done an assessment and know the client, we are always available to jump in at the time of a new crisis; we can pick up the pieces very easily. On-going services can take many forms: direct work by the geriatric care manager, help in routine matters with a care associate, or supervision of home care. Education of family members and care givers is also a very important aspect of the service provided by care managers while helping someone through the difficulties of aging. What are Anne's service areas? AHL Services provides help to seniors and their families throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties - and in North Texas. Our principal regions are: California (AHL Services):
Texas (Constance Kilgore and Associates):
Does Anne work with dedicated professional providers? AHL Services is not affiliated with any other professional office or service organization and has no fiduciary arrangements with any care provider or institution. All referrals to other agencies, services, or professionals are based entirely upon suitability to the specific circumstances and needs of the client. We respect your current advisors and will work closely with them. If you are pleased with existing arrangments and you are getting good service from those advisors (your doctor, your CPA, your attorney, etc.), we will cooperate with them and ensure that they are aware of (and part of) any recommendations we may make. Should you need to make changes or additions to your support system, we will tailor our referrals to specific professionals with the skill and personality best suited to your situation. We do not provide home care services - any recommendations we may make for homecare are completely independent of the service provider. Our own Daisy Ladies will provide occasional assistance; they often prove valuable as a means of transition for clients resistant to the idea of more comprehensive home care. |