Posts Categorized: News

Caregivers vs. Companions 

Caregivers and companions enable older adults to live comfortably in their homes while receiving the support they need to remain safe, healthy and happy. These roles have different benefits depending on an older adult’s physical and emotional needs.

What Does a Caregiver Do?

A caregiver, also called a personal care assistant, offers qualified personal care. They help older adults with physical needs such as bathing, toileting, dressing, positioning, walking and eating. They can also provide minor medical care.

What Does a Companion Do?

A companion caregiver helps older adults who need nonmedical assistance with aspects of daily living. Their primary purpose is to support mental health by providing socialization and companionship.

A few ways a companion caregiver may support an older adult include:

  • Playing games or doing activities together
  • Planning, preparing and cleaning up meals
  • Performing light housekeeping
  • Helping with laundry
  • Running errands with or for an older adult
  • Providing transportation

Companion Care vs. Caregiver Requirements

A main difference between companions and caregivers is the type of requirements associated with these careers. Because caregivers and companions offer different kinds of services and assistance, they have different training requirements to ensure they are prepared to provide the best support to their clients.

What Kind of Training Is Required for a Traditional Caregiver vs. a Companion Caregiver?

A traditional caregiver must complete extensive training to provide the physical assistance an older adult may need. They should be licensed and certified to handle physical and minor medical needs.

While companion care has no specific or formal training requirements, companions must be dedicated and compassionate individuals who are able to meet the mental and emotional needs of their clients. A good candidate for a companion is someone who is patient, kind, positive and respectful. They should be able to make their clients feel comfortable to help alleviate any feelings of loneliness and enhance overall well-being.

How Corewood Care Can Help

At Corewood Care, we understand that every individual has unique needs. That’s why we develop personalized care plans that suit each client’s situation. Our at-home care providers work closely with clients to ensure their safety and comfort as they live independently and age in place. 

We believe every individual deserves to receive respect and quality care, which is why we are selective and attentive in our hiring process. We hire only the best caregivers and companions to ensure the highest level of care for the older adult in your life. Our caregivers and companions come with various training backgrounds, enabling us to match the right care professional to your family. 

Schedule a Free Assessment Today

When an older adult in your life requires dedicated, compassionate care, you can trust Corewood Care to provide the services you need. Schedule a free assessment today to discover which type of care is right for your family. We are happy to provide more information about our companion care services and how we can support you in supporting the older adult in your life.

Nutrition Month: A Guide to Healthy Eating for Older Adults

March is Nutrition Month, an opportune time to spotlight the significance of nutrition in the lives of older adults. As we age, our nutritional needs evolve, making it crucial to adapt our diets to meet these changing requirements. For older adults, proper nutrition can help manage chronic conditions, maintain mental acuteness, increase energy levels, and improve immunity. As a home care agency dedicated to the well-being of seniors, we understand the unique dietary challenges they face. Here’s how caregivers and families can support older adults in adopting healthier eating habits for a fulfilling, nourished life.

Understanding Nutritional Needs of Older Adults

Aging affects metabolism, and the body may require fewer calories but more of certain nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and B vitamins. Additionally, hydration is crucial since the sense of thirst may diminish with age.

1. Encourage a Variety of Nutrient-Rich Foods

Diverse diets ensure a wide range of essential nutrients. Encourage colorful plates filled with fruits and vegetables, lean proteins (like fish, chicken, and legumes), whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These foods are packed with the nutrients older adults need without too many extra calories.

2. Prioritize Whole, Minimally Processed Foods

Whole foods are not only more nutritious but also easier for older adults to digest. Processed foods can be high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which are particularly harmful to senior health, potentially exacerbating heart and kidney conditions.

3. Manage Portion Sizes

With a slower metabolism, older adults need fewer calories. Managing portion sizes can help prevent weight gain and control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Using smaller plates and bowls can naturally help reduce portion sizes without feeling deprived.

4. Ensure Adequate Hydration

Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration. Encourage regular intake of fluids throughout the day, not just when they feel thirsty. Water, herbal teas, and water-rich fruits and vegetables are excellent for staying hydrated.

5. Adapt Eating Habits to Health Needs

Many older adults manage chronic conditions that require specific diets (e.g., low sodium for high blood pressure, or sugar control for diabetes). Tailoring meals to these needs while ensuring they’re balanced and nutritious is key.

6. Simplify Meal Preparation

Cooking can become a challenge with age due to physical limitations or lack of motivation. Home care agencies can assist by preparing meals or teaching simple, nutritious recipes that are easy to make. Meal delivery services tailored to seniors can also be a valuable resource.

7. Encourage Social Meals

Eating alone can decrease appetite and enjoyment of food. Whenever possible, make meals a social event. This can be within the household, with friends, or at community senior centers.

8. Monitor and Adapt to Changes in Appetite and Ability

Changes in medication, health status, and physical ability can affect appetite and the ability to eat. Regularly assess and adapt to these changes, whether that means shifting to softer foods, enhancing flavors without salt, or addressing dental issues that make eating difficult.

9. Educate on Reading Nutrition Labels

Help older adults understand nutrition labels to make healthier choices when shopping. Focus on low sodium options, whole grains, and avoiding added sugars and unhealthy fats.

10. Celebrate Nutritional Wins

Every step towards healthier eating is a victory. Celebrate these moments, whether it’s trying a new vegetable, drinking more water, or cooking a meal at home. Positive reinforcement can motivate continued progress.

Conclusion

Nutrition Month is a reminder of the power of food in enhancing the quality of life, especially for older adults. By focusing on nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and adapting to the unique needs of aging, caregivers and seniors can work together towards achieving better health and well-being. Remember, small changes can lead to significant benefits, and every meal is an opportunity to nourish the body and soul.

Home Health Care vs. Older Adult Home Care

It can be confusing to find the exact service and care necessary for an older adult. You may encounter terms for home health care, home care, personal care and companion care services that can be tricky to understand. At Corewood Care, we provide many of these services across the greater Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. region, in accordance with our licensures. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between home health and older adult home care to make it easier to find the necessary services for you or your family member.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health and home care services have some similarities in service capabilities, but they are not the same. Let’s begin with home health care. This term describes more in-depth, skilled medical care that comes to the home so the client doesn’t have to visit a doctor’s office or other medical provider. Home health care may be necessary to treat a chronic health condition or during recovery from surgery or a serious illness or injury. 

These services are considered clinical or skilled care, so licensed caregivers provide them. Home health caregivers can range from a registered nurse (RN) to a certified nurse’s aide (CNA), according to pertinent licensure requirements. Private insurance companies or Medicare and Medicaid will usually cover these services. 

Providers often prescribe home care or recommend it as part of a care plan. Older adults may need home health care if they require supervision after a medication change, recently received a discharge from a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center, or lack the ability to travel safely to a doctor’s office. Other older adults may need this care if they experience a decline in their functions that requires therapies to help regain their independence. 

Home health services can include health monitoring, medical tests, medication administration, pain management and wound care. Although a home health care provider may offer some similar services as a home care provider, such as medication reminders, they will not deliver the same personal touch, social interactions or daily activity assistance as home care.

What Is Non-Medical Older Adult Care?

Home care usually refers to making life better for older adults as they age in whatever location they call home, including independent living facilities, apartments or houses. Home care is non-medical care and can include services like transporting the client, assisting with dressing and grooming, house cleaning and toileting assistance. Some people also refer to home care as a personal care service because caregivers will use a holistic approach to meet the client’s needs while helping with hygiene, medication reminders and other unique challenges.

Home care can be a long- or short-term service. For instance, home care may be a temporary need for someone recently released from the hospital. Home care can also provide valuable social interaction, making older adults feel more comfortable. 

Choosing Home Care or Home Health Care

Ultimately, choosing home care or home health care will depend on each client’s unique needs. If a client needs wound care, specialized therapies or medication administration, they will be more suitable for home health care. Meanwhile, older adults needing assistance navigating activities of daily life (ADLs) can benefit from home care. 

Chart of services for home health care versus senior home care

However, when choosing necessary services, you should also consider price. Although both types of care typically have an hourly rate, home health care services may be more expensive because the caregiver can administer licensed medical support. If an older adult needs or wants both types of care, it’s possible to create a more budget-friendly schedule that allows for each type of assistance. This way, the client can receive the medical attention they need from home while also accessing a supportive and dedicated caregiver to help them navigate daily activities.

Get Support at Home From Corewood Care

At Corewood Care, we tailor in-home care services to each client. Our home caregivers also help keep the client engaged during our visits with conversation and interaction. The term companion care refers to the more social side of home care — these clients perhaps do not need help with bathing or grooming but would benefit from someone to play cards with, reminisce with or engage in activities that keep the brain stimulated.

Corewood Care can provide the customized in-home care an older adult needs to feel comfortable while they rest, heal or navigate their homes. We’ve served clients across the region with home care services, respite care and 24/7 care for many years. If we can be of service, answer questions or help find the right service, please give us a call at 301-909-8117, schedule a free home assessment or use our chat.

10 Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart for Older Adults

Heart health is crucial at any age, but for older adults, taking steps to protect the heart can significantly improve quality of life and independence. As a home care agency dedicated to the well-being of seniors, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in promoting heart health among the elderly. Here are ten simple, caregiver-friendly steps to support heart health in older adults.

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. For older adults, focus on easy-to-prepare, nutrient-dense foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium to help manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

2. Promote Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential, even for those with limited mobility. Tailor exercises to the individual’s ability, focusing on activities like walking, chair yoga, or light stretching exercises that can maintain cardiovascular health without overexertion.

3. Support a Healthy Weight

Help seniors maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular activity. This often involves managing portion sizes and ensuring meals are well-balanced.

4. Encourage Smoking Cessation

For seniors who smoke, offer support and resources to help them quit. This might include connecting them with local support groups or exploring nicotine replacement therapies, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

5. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Advise moderation in alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can exacerbate health issues, including those related to heart health.

6. Manage Stress Effectively

Help seniors find ways to manage stress through activities like reading, listening to music, engaging in hobbies, or mindfulness practices. Caregivers can play a significant role in identifying sources of stress and providing comfort and support.

7. Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly

Keep a regular check on blood pressure, utilizing home monitoring devices if necessary. This can help detect changes early and adjust care plans accordingly.

8. Manage Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels

With the guidance of healthcare professionals, ensure that seniors are maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides through diet, exercise, and medication when prescribed.

9. Ensure Adequate Sleep

Promote good sleep hygiene by establishing a regular bedtime routine, ensuring the sleeping environment is comfortable and quiet, and addressing any sleep disturbances promptly with healthcare providers.

10. Facilitate Regular Health Screenings

Ensure that older adults are keeping up with regular health screenings and doctor’s appointments. This includes managing appointments for them and providing transportation if needed.

Conclusion

Caring for the heart is a lifelong journey, and for older adults, maintaining heart health is key to enjoying a fulfilling, independent life. As caregivers, we play a vital role in supporting the heart health of the seniors in our care, through both our actions and by fostering an environment that prioritizes their well-being. By implementing these ten simple steps, we can make a significant positive impact on the heart health of the older adults we serve.

How to Support Your Loved One Following Surgery

Recovery after surgery is a slow and sensitive process for older adults. The surgery itself is already nerve-wracking, as the risk of complications is higher for older adults. Couple that with a longer and often more intensive recovery process, and it’s easy to see why older adults need physical and emotional support during and after surgery. 

From helping with medications and ensuring the home is conducive to their needs to transporting them to physical therapy appointments and checkups, there are many ways you can care for older adults following surgery. 

Returning Home From the Hospital

Returning home from the hospital is undoubtedly exciting. However, it can also be overwhelming for older adults, especially if their mobility has been affected or they have many medications to keep track of. To help make their transition easier, follow these steps to welcome them home: 

  1. Take time off: If you have the flexibility, you may want to schedule some days off following their surgery. If you cannot take more than a few days off, you may want to enlist the help of a professional caregiver. 
  2. Make their home more comfortable: We’ll cover this more below, but before they arrive home, clear the floor of tripping hazards and ensure there’s enough room between furniture for your family member to move comfortably.  
  3. Set up activities: Think of some hobbies for your family member as they recover. You can set them up for success with board games, books, movies, puzzles, mobile games, magazines or sewing to keep them occupied and content.
  4. Clean up: Nothing says “welcome home” like a clean house. Before your family member comes home, make sure things are clean and shiny. However, remember that you might want to avoid reorganizing — they could get frustrated when something is not in its usual place. 
  5. Take them through the changes: Give your friend or family member a tour of the changes to their home to decrease any feelings of stress.

Supporting older adults after surgery can be both satisfying and overwhelming. Prepare ahead of time, ask their nurses and doctors for any advice, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and informative transition. 

Making Their Home More Comfortable 

There are many ways to make a home more recovery-friendly and safer for everyone. Think of all the rooms your older adult will visit in the house and how these can be made more comfortable. Here are some ideas:

  • Remove unnecessarily obstructive and unsafe furniture, or move it so that it doesn’t block traffic.
  • If your friend or family member lives in a two-story home and cannot navigate stairs after surgery, move their bedroom furniture to the first floor. 
  • Consider purchasing helpful items like nonslip bathmats. 
  • Ensure the home and your family member’s room have enough lighting to make things easier to see.
  • Make sure medications, water, food, plates and silverware are within reach. 
  • Set your family member up in a room with its own bathroom, and ensure adequate hygiene tools for incontinence episodes.
  • Stock up on healthy foods with lots of vitamins, like fruits and vegetables. 

Before they come home — or perhaps before their surgery — you can also ask your friend or family member how they want their house set up. For example, they may want their slippery wood floors to be covered with rugs.

Showing Support by Staying Positive

When we use positivity correctly, it can have powerful effects on our psyche and mood. Though this may be challenging when your friend or family member is in pain or frustrated, seeing the best in every situation always helps. 

Focus on the progress they make. Be their biggest cheerleader when they experience small wins. Invite family members to liven things up. Encourage peaceful time alone for them to engage in hobbies. And always make sure they know they have people rooting for them. 

Changing up the scenery can also make a difference in mindset. If possible, take a walk in the fresh air or set up chairs for stargazing or cloud-watching. You can also take your family member with you on errands. Keeping them involved and active is healthy and stimulating. 

If you’re having trouble staying positive, it might be beneficial to share caregiving responsibilities with another person. Finding a professional caregiver can take some of the weight off our shoulders while ensuring your family member is being cared for properly.

Helping With Daily Activities

The surgery recovery process is physically, mentally and emotionally tough. Helping an older parent after surgery means assisting with daily activities like eating, walking, dressing or bathing. Here are some ways you can help them navigate day-to-day recovery:

  • Help them get to appointments: Older adults will likely have follow-up appointments after surgery. Help transport them to these appointments and take notes to remember all of the information.
  • Encourage movement: While it may be tempting for them to stay still, especially if they’re recovering from knee or hip surgery, it’s not necessarily healthy. Work with their physical therapist or doctor to find ways to incorporate movement or exercises into the day, gradually increasing frequency and difficulty as appropriate.
  • Grab things for them: What’s not heavy to you might be too heavy for an older adult as they recover from surgery. If something is too high or too heavy, you can step in. However, try not to step in when they don’t need help, as this can frustrate them. 
  • Keep track of medications and appointments: Help your friend or family member keep track of their appointments and medications so that they stay on track with recovery. It’s wise to write everything down in a planner or notebook. 

Being Mindful of Hospital Delirium

Hospital delirium affects around one-third of patients over 70, especially those who have undergone surgery. Symptoms of hospital delirium can include confusion, difficulty understanding speech, agitation, jumbled memory, hallucinations or disorientation. If your friend or family member experiences delirium after surgery, remain patient and supportive. Make sure they stay hydrated and get adequate sleep, and help orient them to their surroundings by introducing familiar personal items like stuffed animals or photographs. 

Keep your family member’s doctor updated on delirium episodes, as well. They can further advise you on what to do and how to support your family member. 

Receive Support From a Corewood Care Caregiver

Supporting an older adult after surgery can be a daunting task, and it’s perfectly OK to feel like you’re out of your depth. Getting help from a professional may be the best thing that you can do for your situation. The expert caregivers at Corewood Care can provide hospital-to-home transitional care services, as well as assistance before and after surgery. Contact us online to find the best care option for your friend or family member recovering from surgery.

How Much Does Dementia Care Cost?

Dementia is different for everyone, but all individuals with it deserve compassionate and kind care to help them through each day. Due to the differences individuals with dementia can experience, their care plans are also highly personalized. While care is essential, understanding what you’re paying for is also crucial so you can provide professional help to your beloved family member.

At Corewood Care, we understand the financial worries and challenges of finding dementia care for your family member. We break down how much dementia care costs and the payment options for it.

Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s

The cost of dementia care differs based on the type of treatment your relative is receiving. Common types of dementia care include:

  • In-home care
  • Live-in care
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Adult daycare
  • Respite care

Paying for Dementia Care

In addition to the type of care your relative receives, some other cost considerations include:

  • If medical treatment and equipment are necessary
  • Medication distribution
  • Hours of service needed, such as half a day or 24/7 care

Non-medical caregivers for in-home care are often paid hourly, averaging around $28.64 in 2022. Assuming you need assistance with caring for your family member with dementia for about 40 hours a week instead of around the clock, the price of care would be about $1,145 per week. As always, the specific agency or organization you’re working with will have their own pricing requirements based on their services and location.

Your payments also differ based on how the facility or agency bills their services. Many in-home care services provided by caregivers are by the hour. You must also consider if insurance will cover some of the expenses before you get the complete picture of how much dementia and Alzheimer’s care costs.

What Does Insurance Cover for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care?

Various insurance and government plans can cover some, if not all, of the costs of dementia care. Each program and what it covers vary based on the policies the individual has in place. For example, long-term insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cover some aspects of in-home dementia care, but all have their caveats.

Long-term insurance: Individuals can receive coverage for their dementia if they already have long-term care insurance before diagnosis. Long-term care often covers licensed home care and assisted living.
Medicare: Medicare only covers some components associated with Alzheimer’s care. It will pay up to 35 hours a week for individuals who are homebound and need home health services, but it may not necessarily cover assistance with daily activities.
Medicaid: Medicaid covers in-home care for individuals with dementia if they would otherwise require nursing home care if they didn’t receive in-home care.
When considering your payment options for dementia care, review the insurance plans and government programs your family member is a part of to try to get the most coverage possible.

Learn More About Corewood Care’s Dementia and Alzheimer’s Services

At Corewood Care, we understand all individuals require individualized care plans for their dementia. We provide comprehensive in-home dementia and Alzheimer’s care services to help individuals access the necessary care.

Learn more about our dementia and Alzheimer’s services by contacting our team today. We’ll help you navigate the options that may be best for your beloved family member.

How Is 24-Hour Care Paid For?

Individuals receiving 24/7 home care have access to professional caregivers who provide their services to help these individuals with their daily living activities and other tasks related to their medical conditions. When your family member needs 24-hour care and you can no longer provide the level of care they need, an excellent solution is to get a professional caregiving agency involved.

While the services a company provides are worth it, you may feel intimidated when thinking about paying for them. We break down the cost of 24/7 care services and the payment options you’ll have to ensure you can provide your family member with the assistance they need and deserve.

What Does 24-Hour Care Cost?

The cost of 24-hour care differs depending on the type of services your family member receives, such as live-in or regular 24/7 in-home care. It also depends on the individual agencies, what they factor into their costs and their location.

On average, the national rate for home health care professionals is $27 per hour, according to the Cost of Care Survey by Genworth Financial. For 24/7 services, the monthly cost would be around $19,600 per month. Though various factors go into the price of 24/7 home care, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars, regardless of your relative’s location.

How to Pay for 24-Hour Care Services

You have multiple options for paying for your family member’s home care service. Some choices include:

  • Personal resources: Use your parent’s retirement income, savings or part of your regular income to pay for the services.
  • Long-term care insurance: Some long-term care insurance plans may cover the costs of 24/7 home care, though your parent must have the insurance plan well before the care period starts. Ensure you know all the policies and requirements because the insurance may only cover part of the costs.
  • Veterans’ benefits: Individuals receiving care who are veterans may receive benefits that help cover the cost of 24/7 care. Eligible veterans could get financial assistance if they have Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.
  • Medicare: If your parent needs 24-hour care, Medicare will not pay for it. It only pays for part-time care services if your parent needs help with injury or illness treatment or assistance maintaining their health. Medicare usually won’t cover these services unless the client also gets skilled care services.
  • Medicaid: Various Medicaid programs may cover 24/7 in-home care services. The exact services they cover may differ by state. Additionally, some states may have Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers to let older adults receive in-home services and have them covered by Medicaid.

The organization you’re working with for 24/7 caregiving services may accept payments paid in full or split into a monthly payment plan.

Let Corewood Care Help You Find Appropriate Coverage

At Corewood Care, we do our best to provide your family member with the safest and most comfortable 24/7 home care possible. When you’re considering enlisting our 24-hour care services for your parent, we ensure you get a payment plan that works for your situation. Our caregivers will assist you in finding the most suitable plans while also helping you navigate the health care system. Learn more about your payment options when you complete our contact form and speak with a representative today.

When Should You Consider 24/7 In-Home Care?

Sometimes, you’ve done all you can for a family member, and it’s time to look for additional help to give them the care they need and deserve. When searching for a care plan that ensures your relative receives the best care possible, 24-hour in-home care may be the solution.

Twenty-four-hour in-home care provides individuals with the professional help they need while letting them stay in the comfort of their homes. Make an informed decision about the care your family member receives by learning what signs to look for when in-home care is an option and discovering how to get it for your relative.

Signs Your Relative Would Benefit From 24/7 Care

Older adults can benefit from additional support in their day-to-day lives. While some only require a little assistance, others may need more due to certain conditions they have or difficulties they experience in their daily lives. Some things that require a person to have 24-hour home care include:

  • Difficulties completing daily living activities
  • Declines in cognitive function
  • Frequent accidents or falls
  • Lack of mobility or decreased physical function

Additionally, a behavior change can indicate an individual may need 24/7 in-home care. Individuals who have become more aggressive toward themselves or others or have wandering issues would benefit from constant supervision. Also, an individual who suddenly starts isolating themself or neglecting their overall wellness would benefit from having around-the-clock care.

Common Conditions That Require 24/7 Home Care

While older adults with daily living difficulties can take advantage of 24-hour care, some specific conditions may make getting this care even more beneficial. Individuals with the following conditions may require 24/7 in-home care:

  • Dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Physical disabilities
  • Mental health conditions
  • Post-surgery, -hospitalization or -rehab situations

Who Qualifies for 24/7 In-Home Care?

Adults over the age of 60 who live at home and have personal care or home management needs may qualify for 24/7 in-home care, depending on the severity of their situation. Often, individuals who require the service need it because they are incapable of caring for themselves or they can no longer complete multiple tasks. Having a professional caregiver provides much-appreciated help and assurance for your family member.

You may wonder if your parent needs 24/7 home care. Besides your judgment and experience in helping your parent, the ultimate decision for care is based upon the expertise of your parent’s health care professionals, like their doctors. Their support and diagnosis will determine if your parent qualifies for 24/7 in-home care.

How to Get 24-Hour Care in the Home

When you decide 24/7 in-home care is the route to take to provide care for your relative, ensure you take the time to research and meet with different organizations to find programs that would work best for your parent or relative.

Corewood Care is committed to helping older adults age gracefully at home while getting the care they need. We provide comprehensive 24/7 in-home care services to make sure your family member receives solutions that keep them safe and comfortable.

We serve older adults throughout the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.

Get Around-the-Clock In-Home Care for Your Relative With Corewood Care

Corewood Care ensures your family member gets a high level of care, safety and support in the comfort of their own home. Get started with our services when you contact us for an in-home care assessment. We’ll determine if your family member would benefit from our 24/7 in-home care services and proceed from there to provide help for your relative. 

What Is Chronic Care Management? 

Many individuals struggle with chronic health conditions on a daily basis. While challenging, there are services available like chronic care management designed to help individuals better manage their conditions and overall health.

What Is Chronic Care Management?

Chronic care management (CCM) is a type of preventive measure for individuals who have chronic health conditions. It was originally started by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to benefit both patients and physicians. 

This billable Medicare service ensures individuals have access to care coordination services outside of regular office visits. As a preventive service, chronic care management means it can also help prevent hospital or emergency room visits as well as reduce the chances of being readmitted after being released. 

How Is CCM Different From Typical Care Management? 

Both programs are designed to provide individuals with assistance and support. As its name suggests, chronic care management is designed specifically for individuals who have at least two chronic conditions. There are requirements regarding the length of time the condition is expected to last as well as how long the clinical time spent with the patient will be. 

Through this program, providers will be able to record and note changes in the individual’s health. By keeping care plans and sharing patient health information with other providers, CCM helps manage changes in an individual’s health. 

Typical care management can provide support to older adults who need ongoing assistance with managing their health and safety. These programs are especially beneficial during transitional periods, ranging from transitioning back home after a hospital stay or moving into a nursing home.

A client’s care manager essentially serves as their advocate, ensuring they have access to the specific services they need to live gracefully. While a typical care management program can include chronic care, it also includes a range of other services, such as:

  • Client education
  • Care research and planning
  • Care coordination
  • Medication management
  • Hospital-to-home transition care
  • Transportation to physician office visits
  • Memory care

What Conditions Qualify for Chronic Care Management? 

Chronic conditions are diseases and disorders that are long-lasting, not easily cured and can potentially get worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease is a common chronic condition that affects many older adults. 

With this disease, individuals could experience difficulty focusing, remembering and communicating. Symptoms range from mood swings to physical problems like general discomfort and poor coordination. Some may experience delusions and hallucinations, or they might have a tendency to wander. These symptoms can make it difficult for individuals — and their family members — to continue caring for them alone. 

Along with Alzheimer’s disease, CCM can help individuals with many other types of chronic conditions who may struggle with basic activities of daily living (ADLs), including: 

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Heart failure
  • Hepatitis (Viral B & C)
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Stroke

How to Know When CCM Is Right for Someone?

Chronic care management is provided outside of regular office visits to help individuals manage their health and follow their care plan.

To qualify for CCM, a person needs to have at least two chronic health conditions that will last for a minimum of 12 months or the rest of their life. The condition must place the patient at risk for functional decline, acute exacerbation or death.

To be eligible, individuals must also first have a face-to-face visit with a Medicare-qualified provider. This visit can be:

  • An annual wellness visit
  • A transitional care visit
  • An initial preventive physical exam
  • Another evaluation or management visit

After the initiating visit is complete, individuals must consent to the program, and then they will receive an individualized care plan. Clinical time spent with the patient can vary, but it must be a minimum of 20 minutes. 

Find the Right Home Care for Seniors With Chronic Conditions 

At Corewood Care, our aim is to improve the way care is managed. Older adults and their families throughout Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland, have access to our care management services as well as other types of home care and care coordination services. 

Every client is unique, so we tailor our services to meet each person’s specific needs and goals. We specialize in an integrated care management and home care model, and our multidisciplinary team of professionals supports our clients and their families however they need us to. No matter what chronic condition individuals may be facing, our team is dedicated to improving health management by effectively cross-collaborating and mitigating potential health risks. 

Want to learn more about our care management solutions and how we can help you thrive and live gracefully? Contact us today to schedule a free assessment. 

What Is Transitional Care Management?

Transitional care management focuses on helping individuals transition between health care settings. This management system aids in improving health outcomes and ensures clients receive consistent services. 

At Corewood Care, we offer comprehensive transitional care management services for older adults to help our clients thrive and live gracefully. Schedule a free assessment to learn how our services can help an older adult obtain trustworthy support as they transition to a rehabilitation or home setting.

What Is Transitional Care?

Transitional care involves the management and coordination of health services as clients move between health care settings. Typically, clients undergo transitional health care services within 30 days of discharge from a medical facility. The goal of transitional health services is to help clients continue receiving a high level of attention and care to help prevent injury or a need for rehospitalization.

What Is Transitional Care Management?

Transitional care management is coordinating a client’s safe transition from one medical setting to another or to their homes. For transitional care management to be successful, providers, clients and families work together to ensure the transition is smooth while reducing the risk of adverse health outcomes. 

What Sets Transitional Care Management Apart?

The main difference between transitional care management and care management and home health services is transitional services only focus on the period when a client moves from one facility to another or to their home. In contrast, care management and home health services focus on assisting individuals throughout their entire health journey.

Care management refers to a collection of services and activities to help clients with chronic or complex conditions effectively manage their health. While the main goal of health management is to help clients improve their health, it can also include smaller goals, such as improving how the providers coordinate service and enhancing engagement.

Conversely, home health services only focus on caring for a client at their home. With home health services, a client may have health care professionals visit them at their home to provide services.

While a care management plan or home health plan may include transitional management services, it is not the main focus, making it essential to have transitional care management services in place to ensure more complete care.

Is Transitional Care Management Ideal in the Long or Short Term?

Transitional care management is a temporary solution and typically ends after the client reaches 30 days after discharge. Since transitional care management aims to provide a seamless changeover, once a client reaches their 30 days, they are no longer in a transitional period and, therefore, no longer require transitional services. 

Situations Where One Would Need Transitional Care Management

For a client to qualify for transitional care management services, they must undergo a discharge from a qualifying service setting such as a hospital and have a medical record that indicates they require additional support. Some specific situations where an older adult would need transitional management services are:

  • Transitions within medical settings, like from a primary provider to a specialty unit
  • Transitions between medical settings, like from a hospital to a rehabilitation center or a home
  • Transitions across health states, like moving from curative care to assisted living
  • Transitions between providers, like moving from a general practitioner to a specialist

Find the Care Your Older Adult Deserves With Corewood Care Today

Having an older adult come home from the hospital or transition to a rehabilitation setting can include many challenges, including a higher risk of falls and medication mismanagement. At Corewood Care, we want to help your older adult be successful during their transition period through our transitional care management services. Schedule a free assessment to learn how our services can benefit you and your older adult.

Call Us: (301) 909-8117