Hospitalization can be an overwhelming experience, but having an advocate by your side can make all the difference.
An advocate is someone who can help you navigate the complex world of healthcare, from understanding your diagnosis and treatment options to communicating with your healthcare team and ensuring that you’re receiving the best possible care.
Having an advocate also means that you won’t be just another number in a sea of patients. The hospital staff is busy with many patients at one time. With all the moving parts in a hospital setting, it is easy for one or more of the parts to come undone. With your advocate present, you can be sure that your concerns and needs are being taken seriously, and that you’re being heard. They can also serve as a second set of ears, listening to and taking notes on important information that you might miss. Keeping in contact and communicating with the hospital staff helps the moving parts moving in your favor.
Perhaps most importantly, an advocate can provide emotional support during a difficult time. Hospitalization can be scary and isolating, but having someone there with you can help ease those feelings. Your advocate can offer words of encouragement, listen to your fears and concerns, and simply be a comforting presence.
Who Should Be My Advocate?
An advocate in the hospital can be a family member, friend of the family, neighbor, or a professional. Your advocate should be available and able to speak to the care team, and care manager in the hospital. This can be difficult for family members, friends or neighbors because they may work, and have their own life to tend to. That doesn’t mean they can’t assist, and visit you, however if they don’t have the time to meet and talk with the care team, you can get lost in the shuffle. That leaves a professional care manager. There are companies that offer only care management and nothing else. Some companies that offer home health, also have a care manager on their team. At Paradise Home Health Care we have an in house Certified Geriatric Care Manager who is also a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner (CMDCP). If you have questions about the Care Management that Paradise Home Health provides, please call the office.
What is The Cost/What Can They Do?
The cost for Care Management can vary depending on the company, scope of care and individual providing it. Care management can cost between $50-$200 an hour. It is not usually covered by insurance or Medicare. The billing is based on the company or individual providing it. Instead of charging by the hour, the CGCM at Paradise Home Health Care charges a flat weekly rate. The minimum is $175 a week, and can be higher if for a couple or the scope of care requires a lot of time.
Some of the responsibilities of a Geriatric Care Manager are as follows:
- Navigate the healthcare system
- Support family decisions
- Evaluate housing options
- Advocate for the senior
- Manage resources wisely
- Reduce avoidable risk
- Communicate with doctors, family members, and caregivers to lessen confusion and miscommunication.
Having a professional advocate takes the stress off your family, especially if they don’t live local. An advocate speaking on your behalf ensure communication between all care team disciplines and family members. Having someone by your side while hospitalized makes a world of difference. With their help, you can have confidence that you’re receiving the best possible care and support throughout the process.
Paradise Home Health Care is excited to announce we now offer Care Management to our
clients. Click Here for Details
