friend reading a letter

FAQ

Do I really need a Life Care Manager?

Life Care Managers are an invaluable resource when trying to decide what the best options are for yourself or an aging parent. If you find yourself at odds with other family members over care decisions, feeling overwhelmed or anxious about a parent who lives far away, or starting to notice that your parents are “slipping,” hiring a Life Care Manager is the right choice. They provide a professional, unbiased perspective and can help you to recognize and solve problems you may not be aware of.

What process does the Life Care Manager use to evaluate my older relative?

Our assessment process begins with an initial consultation with family members, either in person or by telephone. We gather essential data including a full family and medical history prior to meeting with the elder. One of our associates will then visit the elder at home, in a facility, or at a family member’s house to conduct an in-depth evaluation of their physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

What if I am not ready to commit to a full assessment?

If, after our initial phone conversation, you feel that your family is not ready for an in-home assessment, LifeCare Advocates offers alternatives. We offer consultations, either by phone or in our office, to discuss your current situation and to provide you with recommendations for services and resources tailored to your specific situation. This consultation provides a “road map” of next steps and possible scenarios you may face in the future.

Do I need to bring my elder to the LifeCare Advocates office for an assessment?

No. We prefer to see the elder in their current environment to get an accurate representation of their daily living.

My parents live in the Boston area but I live too far away to visit often. I worry about them and want to know that they are doing well. How can LifeCare Advocates help?

We provide ongoing guidance in understanding the range of local options available to families living at a distance. Most importantly, we can act as your “eyes and ears” through regular home visits to evaluate and monitor care at home. We make recommendations for appropriate services and provide you with continuous feedback via email or phone. LifeCare Advocates provides you with peace of mind and the security of knowing that your loved one is well taken care of.

If my parents do not live in the Boston area, can LifeCare Advocates still help me?

Yes. We offer in-office consultations to assist families in coping with the stress and uncertainty of having an elder living at a distance. LifeCare Advocates can help to determine the right options, making sure that everyone’s needs are met. We have a wide network across the country of service providers we trust and can call on.

My parents refuse any help that I have tried to hire, and I don’t know what to do. How can LifeCare Advocates help me?

We understand that most elders who are facing a health crisis are frightened and generally resist accepting help. We have a proven track record in overcoming our client’s resistance to accepting help. We approach our clients gently and with compassion, reassuring them that our intervention will assist them to maintain their independence.

I’m not sure my parents should be living at home anymore. How do I know that moving them is the right option?

Whether it is a local or long-distance move, LifeCare Advocates will guide you through the process. Most elders express a clear and resounding preference to remain in their own homes, but that desire often conflicts with concerns about safety, increased isolation, and resistance to accepting services. Whether it is a local or long-distance move, LifeCare Advocates will guide you through the process of determining whether staying at home is feasible, and if not, what steps you can take to ensure a successful transition to a safer living environment.

How does LifeCare Advocates handle emergency situations?

All emergency situations are handled promptly. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Generally, all phone calls are returned within one hour. Evening and weekend emergencies are responded to as necessary.

Does LifeCare Advocates have a financial interest in any of the services that you recommend?

LifeCare Advocates is an independent company and is not affiliated nor financially vested with any of the services we recommend. We rely on an extensive network of resources that have proven their quality over the years and only recommend those services we believe to be in our clients’ best interest.

Are Life Care Management services covered by Medicare or Insurance?

Life Care Management is not covered by Medicare or health insurance, but some fees may be covered by a long-term care insurance policy. It is best to contact the policyholder directly to determine your Care Management benefit.

Aren’t Care Management services offered for free through government agencies?

Unfortunately not. At present time, the services offered by the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are very limited. Most programs are reserved for those who have little or no means. None of the state-funded programs provide the comprehensive oversight and personalized care planning that we offer at LifeCare Advocates.

How do I know if I can afford services through LifeCare Advocates?

We offer a complimentary informational call to discuss the possible service options and associated costs, to ensure that we are the right fit for you and your family. During the informational call, we will review your needs and discuss which of our services are the best match for you. If you would like to schedule an informational call, please call our office at 617-928-0200 or email us at info@lcadvocates.com.