FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT?
Geriatric Care Management is the organization and maintenance of seniors’ health needs and quality-of-life issues, with the explicit goal of maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life.
WHAT DOES A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER DO?
A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM), is an advocate for seniors as they navigate various issues and concerns in their later years. Part of this includes: making short and long-term plans for healthy living, evaluating and organizing in-home care needs, selecting care personnel, coordinating medical services, and providing relief for caregivers. GCM’s also evaluate living options to find the most appropriate and comfortable solution.
IS A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER A NURSE?
A GCM is not necessarily a nurse, but they do have very strong familiarity with navigating health issues, both inside and outside home living. Their role is more akin to a General Manager, and they are responsible for the selection of staff (including home-health nurses) and any issues in regards to healthcare. Senior Steps is owned and managed by Carolyn Walsh, a licensed nurse, and our team members have backgrounds in nursing, education, and social work.
IS GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT PAID FOR BY MEDICARE?
Geriatric Care Management as a philosophy can sometimes be followed by various aging associations, but the services of a specific GCM are not covered by Medicare. Senior Steps takes long-term care insurance and has options for private pay.
HOW IS SENIOR STEPS, INC. DIFFERENT FROM A NURSING HOME PLACEMENT SERVICE?
Senior Steps, Inc. acts as a singular advocate for their clients, and are beholden only to them and their well-being. While other home-placement services receive commission or a flat rate for placing seniors in particular homes, Senior Steps provides specific recommendations for each client's specific needs, including location, level of health assistance, and cost. Senior Steps, Inc. also ensures that options other than nursing homes, such as home-health aids and caregivers, are available to the client.
DOES SENIOR STEPS, INC. RECEIVE COMMISSION FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES?
Senior Steps, Inc. receives no commission from Assisted Living Facilities or any other placement organization. Our only responsibility is to our clients.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK FOR HIRING A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER?
The first step is to request a consultation through our website or over the phone. We will then schedule a good time for you to have an in-depth discussion about health needs and any issues that may be occurring, as well as schedule a follow-up in-person visit if necessary. After this visit you may hire Senior Steps, Inc. as your Geriatric Care Management service, and the process of advocacy begins immediately.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED, AND HOW CAN I CONTACT SENIOR STEPS, INC.?
Senior Steps, Inc. is located in Hingham, MA and can be contacted by phone at 617-405-8796 or by email at consultations@seniorsteps.org
DO YOU PROVIDE CARE MANAGEMENT FOR NON-SENIORS?
Our primary focus is on Seniors, however, we do take some non-senior clients and manage their needs on a case-by-case basis.