Here are some ways we can help:

  • How to pay for care – identifying options, benefits and entitlements

  • Dealing with resistance to care – practical and successful interventions

  • Screen for dementia and arrange for further testing and workup.

  • Home care:  help find and oversee in-home staff. 

  • Advocacy and oversight of hospital, skilled nursing, or assisted living care

  • Oversee healthcare and medications

  • Moving to a care community – how to bring it up, what to say, how to make it happen.

  • Finding the right care community and help with every phase of the transition

  • Accompany clients to medical appointments; serve as advocate and liaison

  • Long distance care management

  • Assist with insurance and Medicare issues

  • Providing support and coaching to family members

How to Get Started:

CALL 415-640-0236

Call for a free introductory conversation to discuss your particular situation and how we can help.

“Laurel really helped us all through the roughest patch. We so appreciated her connections and expertise, her advice and her patience as we dealt with the emotionally charged situation of caring for a parent who did not want help”
— T. M., San Francisco, CA.

The Consultation

If you’re not even sure where to start a consultation is a good first step. Consultations are generally an hour to 1 ½ hours.   We will start by establishing what you hope to come away with at the end of the consultation and you will leave with an action plan complete with resources.  

Consultations are done by Laurel Etheridge who thoroughly understands the eldercare “system”. She can identify the best resources available, explain how things work, who pays for what, and what benefits and entitlements you may qualify for.  This kind of information often often saves you money as well as valuable time.
 

The Evaluation

The in-home evaluation is the first step in Care Management services.  We will come to the client’s residence and evaluate the client’s functional, cognitive, medical, and psycho-social needs.  If the elder is fearful or suspicious we can perform an “informal” evaluation where the client does not feel threatened by change. (See Alzheimer’s and dementia care)  The family will also be asked to fill out a form providing more detailed information.


The Plan of Care:

The plan of care is a written document that outlines the issues identified in the evaluation, the desired outcomes, and the plan of action.  We create the plan of care with you based on how much you want us to do. This document is updated regularly and as needs change. 

Regular client visits:

Care Management home visits are generally once or twice a month depending on the plan of care.  It is important for the Care Manager to observe the client in person in order to monitor for changes in health, medications, mood, behavior, and to oversee the care that is being provided.  You will receive a report after each visit with a plan to address any new needs that have been identified.


24/7 availability:

Care Management is available 24/7. After hours help is provided by phone and by emergency services. No matter what, you can rest assured that the older adult in your life will be taken care of.

Family meetings

Often it is important to gather the whole family to discuss care options, make decisions, or mediate conflict. Laurel Etheridge conducts family meetings. She has training in group work and mediation which, combined with her expertise in eldercare, can help the entire family system come together in support of an elder. A family meeting is structured with a timed agenda and goals so that everyone is heard. It may take more than one meeting to accomplish complex goals and/or come to a consensus. Call Laurel to further discuss your family’s needs.

Crisis intervention and urgent situations:

We excel in helping families needing urgent assistance and can cut through red tape to make things happen quickly.