What is the difference between a Care Manager and a Caregiver?
Care Managers hold post-graduate degrees as either RNs or MSWs. They are medical professionals who work directly with doctors, hospitals, care facilities, and elder law professionals on a regular basis. In-Home Caregivers are paraprofessionals who have special training in caregiving. This can range from personal care to medication reminders, companionship to hobby support.
Will my Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance or Medicare cover In-Home Caregiving or Care Management?
Some LTC policies cover the services of an In-Home Caregiver but most do not cover Care Management. Medicare does not cover either service in the home. Medicare does covers skilled or hospital care needs.
My father has Dementia but he refuses to leave his home. What can I do?
Sound Options's Care managers are trained to handle situations like this. They can help you develop care options that work with your family's particular needs. Your Care Manager will oversee the care as well as help find in-home Caregiving that can support your father's decision to remain in his own home.
My mother thinks I'm stealing from her. I'm at my wits end. Who can help me?
This is a very common occurrence. A Sound Options Care Manager can act as an advocate for you and your mother. She can help find an elder attorney who can help reassure your mother...(need input here?)
I think it's time for my mother to get help, but my siblings do not agree. Is there someone who can get us all on the same page?
A Sound Options Care Manager can conduct a needs assessment that will provide a realistic view of where your mother truly is. From there, your Care Manager can act as an advocate for your mother as well as mediate with the family to arrive at a consensus that best serves your mother's needs
I thought that hiring an Elder Law attorney would solve all my problems with my parents but it didn't. What can I do?
An elder law attorney is only one person in your toolbox. She is an invaluable resource for all legal issues. Sound Options' Care Managers are trained in a holistic care approach to care. Working together as a team, your elder law attorney and your Care Manager can insure the long-term wellbeing of your parents.
What are the red flags I need to pay attention to when determining the appropriate timing to intervene with my parents?
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How early do I start talking to my parents about DPOA, understanding their finances and other vital matters that will impact their future?
It is never too soon for these important discussions. In order to help your parents stay in control of the quality of their care, you need to be informed and have a clear direction to go in. A Sound Options Care Manager can help you frame the discussion and follow up with all the details that need to be covered to ensure your parents receive the finest care possible.
My mother thinks it's a waste of time to talk to a Care Manager so she won't pay for a consultation. What can I do?
Many adult children make the initial payment in spite of their parent's objections only to find that in the long run, parents are extremely grateful for your willingness to take action. Make it a fun gesture. Give a consultation as a stocking stuffer for Christmas.
My father would NEVER accept a Care Manager coming into his home. How can I start the process?
Sound Options Care Managers are skilled at what they do. By professional and training they are kind, compassionate people who care about the well being of seniors. Rather than a formal meeting, tell your father you've invited a friend over for a cup of coffee. From there, your Care Managers can begin a very low-key, gracious conversation. Make it clear to your father you are only looking to improve his quality of life, not take away his freedom.
No one in my family lives near our parents. How can we get them help if we are far away?
Your Sound Options Care Manager is responsible for the 'big picture' of care. An advocate for the client as well as the family, your Care Manager creates compassionate, unique plans-of-action tailored to specific and individual needs. Critical thinkers by nature and by training, once a master plan is established and agreed upon, our Geriatric Care Managers continually review the plan and make certain all aspects are properly implemented on a day-to-day basis. When a plan is up and running, they monitor progress and make adjustments, as necessary, to keep the plan fluid, coherent, and sound. Committed to sustaining quality of life for every client, our Geriatric Care Managers set the standard for quality care in America.
Do I have to sign a contract for Sound Options services? Does that lock me into a specific amount of services?
Yes, you will sign a contract for our services, but those services are completely customized to fit individual needs. Our Care Managers and In-Home Caregivers will make informed recommendations to help you select the range of services, but you are free to sign up for one or as many as all of our services.
My parent has always called the shots. How do I get them to see they are no longer making good decisions?
You don't have to. That is where a Sound Options Care Manager can step in and make recommendations. In our experience recommendations from a professional tends to have more impact. A Care Manager will advocate on your parent's behalf and take into account concerns from family members, physicians and anyone else involved in the decision.
What is the difference between home health and home care?
Home health provides a specialized short-term skilled need, usually after someone comes home from the hospital or nursing home. Home care factors in the long-range plan and includes a caregiver that delivers customized, on-going support and the development of a true relationship in the privacy of a client's home.
Are the caregivers able to help me with my pets?
Yes. Sound Options is a pet-friendly employer. We love our own pets and understand they are an important part of any family and our caregivers will treat your pets with kindness and respect.
Are Sound Options Caregivers trained in Dementia and Alzheimer's care?
Yes, all Sound Options caregivers receive an intensive a three-day training program that includes memory care.
