FAQs

Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes. However, Senior Solutions prides itself on its flexibility in meeting the needs of its clients. For this reason, within the terms of the contract, you can increase, decrease, or stop the service at any time without penalty, or change a caregiver at any time. We understand that the needs of your loved one change and responding to that is our primary focus. We are here to relieve stress not create it.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families care for older relatives, while encouraging as much independence as possible. As such, their function is virtually comprehensive: creating a safe environment by assessing the need for basic home modifications like grab bars, railings on steps or shower chairs; interviewing and hiring dignified personal caregivers, whether they are hourly or live-in; assisting with the selection of and transition to assisted living or a skilled nursing facility; managing hospice and/or palliative care; and assistance with physician visits. In short, they take on the role of the family member so he or she can spend quality time with their loved one, instead of being relegated to an overworked service provider.

Are all Geriatric Care Managers created equal?

Not at all. Good GCMs usually have experience and credentials in other areas. For instance, according to National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers estimates, of their 2,000 members, 35% have nursing degrees, 50% have social work or counseling backgrounds and 15% have advanced degrees or experience in areas such as physical therapy. So, if a senior was faced with the challenges of rehabilitation, for example, a GCM with an expertise in physical therapy might be the right choice. If ongoing medical issues are the primary concern, a GCM with a nursing background could be more desirable. Or, if difficult behavioral issues related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other mental or emotional conditions exist, a person with a degree in psychology may be the answer. For this reason, the Senior Solutions Team is comprised of a variety of GCMs with a combined total of 75 years experience and credentials and degrees in all senior care fields.

Why is Senior Solutions a better choice than a registry?

Most importantly, because registries can merely make referrals, as opposed to agencies such as Senior Solutions, whose GCM becomes your personal representative, retaining the authority to make caregiver placements, dictate schedules and troubleshoot everything from the smallest concern to a more serious emergency. Also, unlike registries, agencies such as Senior Solutions employ their caregivers, paying taxes and workman’s compensation or liability insurance. In this way, your loved one gets the personal attention they deserve and the entire family enjoys a greater peace-of-mind.

I live in a different state than my loved one. Can Senior Solutions Team help me?

Yes. Senior Solutions understands how difficult it is to care for an aging loved one from far away. In fact, this is another compelling reason to retain a GCM instead of a registry. The GCM becomes your surrogate, giving you the comfort of knowing that your loved one has an advocate close at hand, ensuring their daily quality of life, being there in time of emergency and providing a constant line of communication. So whether you live a cross-town drive or cross-country flight away, you retain your peace of mind. Perhaps this is why almost half of our clients are in that very group.

How many caregivers will Senior Solutions Team send?

In most cases Senior Solutions assigns only two different caregivers: a primary and secondary attendant. This way, continuity and a comprehensive understanding of the senior’s needs are ensured, resulting in your loved one and their caregivers building a healthy relationship of trust and companionship.

Does Senior Solutions Team pre-screen their caregivers?

Yes. All Senior Solutions caregivers are bonded and insured and are carefully screened for criminal records, DMV violations, and references.

How does Senior Solutions Team choose their caregivers?

All Senior Solutions caregivers meet the highest industry standards and are chosen based on their dependability, experience, professionalism, ability, and especially their affinity for elderly care. They strive to be trusted “family members” and meet all the following requirements:

English Speaking
Drug tested
Bonded
TB Tested
Warranty of Compatibility
Background and Reference Checks
DMV Drivers Checks
CNAs, HHAs or Companion
Covered by Professional Liability Insurance & Workers Compensation
Employees Hired, Trained, Managed and Paid by Senior Solutions Team

Can I change caregivers if I wish?

Yes, at any time. Although Senior Solutions has a stellar track record for matching caregivers to loved ones, situations can change. So every client retains the right to select or change their personal caregiver at any time.

How soon can homecare begin?

In most cases, Senior Solutions can have a personal caregiver in the senior’s home or preferred living environment and case manager assigned within 24 hours. If your family member is transitioning back to his or her home, the best way to ensure immediate care is to arrange a meeting with a Senior Solutions GCM before your loved one leaves the hospital or rehabilitation center. This way, a free home assessment can be made to ensure that homecare is the best it can be and the road to recovery and quality of life is short and successful.

Will a live person be available when I call?

Yes. You will be given your GCM’s personal phone number, which will remain on 24 hours per day.

What services are provided in homecare?

While we customize our care to best suit each senior’s needs, below is a list of typical services, all covered in the cost of homecare:

Family Communication
Cooking and Serving Nutritious, Condition-Specific Meals
Assisting with Shopping and Errands
Coordinating Home Maintenance
Light Housekeeping
Mail Organization
Transportation
Appointments
Home Deliveries
Laundry
Bathing
Showering
Grooming
Dressing
Toileting/Incontinence Care
Exercising
Light Physical Therapy
Ambulation
Medication Reminders
Pet Care

How much does homecare cost?

Because the needs of each senior are unique, the cost of homecare varies. Whether hourly or live-in care is chosen is also a factor, as are various other situations. However, 24-hour access to your GCM is always included.