Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our clients have the same questions for us about Senior Care Options and how askjaynie can help, so we thought would just answer those general questions right here for you.

What is the difference between Geriatric Care Management and a Placement?

A placement is when we work with the senior and family to move the senior to a community based setting, such as assisted living, whether large apartment style or smaller residential style. We assist with finding the ‘right’ setting based on criteria found in the assessment process. Geriatric Care Management, is when we work with the senior and family, to make the home safe, adding devices to provide security to keep that at risk senior as independent as possible for as long as possible. This could mean bringing in help, life pendants, durable medical equipment, and much more.

How can your services be ‘Free’ to families? How do you get paid for your services? What Senior Care Options Services do you charge for?

We do placements for free, because we have contracts with community based businesses, who pay us for our service, so we can be free to the seniors and their families. This usually is the facilities where we place the seniors…but there are some fees for other services for some senior care options. Some of our services that have a fee, will be discussed when we have our first meeting. But, usually this is when we are attempting to keep the senior at home. The charges are nominal, but include, RN’s to do medication set up and auditing, Doctor’s. wellness house calls, filling out paperwork for placements or VA benefits or It could be taking the senior to a doctor apt and doing a summary of what was discussed and the outcome. We have several other fee based services which are usually agreed upon before we being our geriatric care management. We do have a contract which clearly defines what is to be done.

What is included in an assessment?

We do a brief, but thorough intake, either by phone or in a meeting with the senior and or DPOA or trusted friend. We ask about medical history, abilities to perform activities of daily living, and questions about cognition. Then we schedule an appointment (when possible) to meet the senior and do a visual assessment. With this information we can assist the family with finding the ‘right’ forever home, or bring in the best care staff to meet the seniors needs.

What does the placement process look like?

When it comes to placement and guiding our clients through the maze of senior care, we do it differently. Our clients will never be expected to search or navigate care options on their own. Our Placement Program looks like this: 1. We do a full medical history and abilities in-take of the client. 2. We will then, when possible, do an in-person assessment to verify their actual level of care. 3. We work with the family as a supportive member of their team to guide them to the quality resources they are looking for. 4. We do all the research for senior care home options, finding all that meet the criteria the senior and family have set in place. 5. We personally tour (when possible) the family through all care homes that we determine are a good match for their individual needs. 6. We provide the client’s medical team with a thorough and complete 602 physician’s report, ready to reviewed modified if need be, and signed by the attending physician, per Title 22 guidelines. 7. We insure all required documents are completed and submitted to the care home prior to the move-in date. 8. We stay with the family through end of life as part if their team, to advise them in case there are further needs, that may come up. We are a full service support team.

Do you help with finding Non-medical- In- Home caregivers, Home Health, or Hospice?

Yes, yes we do. As a matter of fact, the assessment process helps us determine what level of care the senior needs. For example, we might recommend Home Health to provide Physical Therapy when a senior is unable to get out of a chair and they become a fall risk, and a non-medical care giver to come in a few times a week to assist with bathing and personal activities where standing and transferring might lead to accidents. Sometimes we need to refer to hospice when we identify that the senior has come to the point where curative measures no longer work. We give you choices and guide you through this process.

How do you screen assisted living facilities for potential placements for seniors?

First we make sure that the facilities can provide the level of care your loved one needs. Then we verify they have a current license. Then we verify they have no current, active complaints, where they are being investigated. We then check to make sure they have no Class A violations, and or citations. Lastly, we do regular unannounced visits to each facility to ensure they are providing the care they have assured us they will do. We work very closely with the family and the senior to ensure they are happy and well cared for throughout their final years.

Who pays for all of these service?

For assisted living and community based care, these are all private pay, or paid by Long Term Care insurance. In some instances, the VA will provide funds to assist the family with this but the criteria must be met first. Non-medical in-home care givers are paid the same way, private pay or LTC insurance. Medicare/ Medi-cal and supplemental insurances only pay for hospitalization in an acute care setting or skilled rehab. Home Health services are also covered when the patient qualifies and when the doctors prescribe it.

How do you help with VA Aid and Attendance?

We provide you with the information to determine whether your senior qualifies for this additional help. There are criteria set up by the VA administration regarding war times and length of service. We have all paperwork and lists of qualified service time. We also have a link for you to apply for a DD 214 should you not have one. This document helps us determine eligibility.

What type of support do you provide to family/primary caregivers during this process?

We follow-up with all of our placement, visit them regularly, and our home care patients as well. We stay in touch with the families so that any further issues that might arise can be dealt with immediately. We also have a monthly meeting, we call it, Wine About Your Aging Parents, Brew Up a Better Care Plan. We meet the last Sunday of most months. Please see our page detailing when and where our next group will occur.

What makes askjaynie unique?

The support services, and aftercare, through end of life, are the cornerstone of our success. We treat your loved ones as if they are our own, we become and extended family. We are here for you through the rough times, we share your trials and tribulations and then we share the joy you feel when you get to become a son or daughter again. Let us become part of your team so you can return to being family.