Questions?
Many of the common questions we hear are listed below with answers and more information.
Please do not hesitate to contact Rothwell Care Management via phone at (202) 368-8042 or send us an e-mail from our contact us page.
What is a Care Manager?
A Care Manager is:
- An experienced professional with a strong background and education in social work, nursing, counseling, and/or geriatrics
- An advocate for families who uses knowledge and expertise to assess the individual’s needs and abilities, and to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system
- An expert in community resources for senior care
- A problem solver who works with families to find the best solutions for complex problems and prioritize actions items to reduce the feelings of being “overwhelmed”
How do I know I need a Care Manager?
When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact a Care Manager.
You may need one if:
- Person has limited or no family support
- Family has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services
- Person has multiple medical or psychological issues
- Person is unable to live safely in his/her current environment
- Family is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions
- Family has a limited time and/or expertise in dealing with loved one’s chronic care needs
- Family is at odds regarding care decisions
- Person is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy
- Family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia
Who uses Care Managers?
- Individuals and families who are seeking care options and solutions for their loved ones
- Legal, health, and financial professionals who recognize their clients need the services of a Care Manager
What unique services can a Care Manager provide?
- Assessing an individual’s needs
- Determining the best living situation for them
- Efficiently manage resources
- Provide numerous ancillary services to promote independence and improve quality of life
What are some red flags that indicate my loved one may need help?
- New balance or mobility problems and refusing to use cane or walker
- Frequent falls or unexplained bruises
- Health complaints or symptoms, but refusing to see the doctor
- Confusion, poor judgment or increased forgetfulness
- Forgetting to take medication, taking overdoses of medication, or making mistakes in taking medication as ordered
- Getting lost while driving or walking
- Unsafe driving skills, getting driving violation tickets frequently, and/or being involved in driving accidents
- Loss of interest in social activities or becoming socially isolated
- Exhibiting extreme suspicious behavior
- Neglecting to pay bills or cash checks
- Not eating properly or regularly
- Unexplained weight loss of 10 lbs. or more in a 12-month period
- Forgetting while cooking on the stove, turning on burners or appliances and forgetting to turn them off
- Having a small kitchen or bedroom fire
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- One spouse overwhelmed or in poor health caring for a dependent spouse
- Complex medical or chronic health conditions that require ongoing oversight
- Family members struggling to meet the needs of their loved ones
- Family members living at a distance, or disagreeing over care solutions
Are Care Manager services covered by insurance?
- Traditional medical insurance and Medicare do not cover care management services, however a Care Manager can refer you to any skilled services that Medicare covers
- Some long-term care policies may cover these services, but private pay is still the main source of reimbursement
Still have Questions?
Give us a call at (202) 368-8042 or send us an e-mail from our contact us page.