ElderLink - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a care manager for my family member?  This question can be best answered by asking yourself these questions: Do I fully understand my relative's medical status and functioning abilities?  Am I prepared if my relative suddenly needs a great deal of help?  Do I know how to find affordable home care providers?  Do I understand what my relative's insurance will provide and what it won't?  Can I provide hands-on care and oversight for my relative or are there other relatives and friends who can do so?  Do I understand what legal documents should be in place so that I can handle financial and medical decisions for my relative?  Do I know what services are available to frail seniors in my relative's community?  Does my relative have emotional or cognitive problems that need evaluation or treatment?

If you do not know the answers to these questions, you may benefit from having a professional assessment of the situation by a care manager.


What will a care/case manager do?   Provide an assessment which evaluates all aspects of a person's life situation; write a Care Plan to be discussed with client and family; arrange for care in the home as the family decides; monitor services and respond to crises or changes in the situation.


Can a care manager provide help and oversight when there are no relatives living in the immediate area?   Yes, care managers can arrange a safe plan for the client and monitor the situation when family members live far away.


Is my family member safe to live alone?   Care managers can assess client safety and ability to live alone in their homes.   If they are not safe alone, 24-hour care can be arranged.  The care manager can also help clients and family members to choose an alternative living arrangement.


What does ElderLink charge for the services of a care manager?   If the client is a Fairfax County resident age 60 or over who needs help with at least two activities of daily living, the fee depends on the client's income.  The maximum cost is a flat rate of $100 for each month of care management.  Many clients pay a much lower rate if their income is limited.  Fairfax County residents who do not meet the eligibility requirements for our state grant still receive services at a low cost flat rate.

If the client lives outside of Fairfax County, services are provided at a rate of $70/hour.