"I like to know the questions I should be asking,
as well as the answers."
as well as the answers."
- Ruth, NSES Client
|
|
"I like to know the questions I should be asking, as well as the answers." - Ruth, NSES Client |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About our Services | |
|
Q: What kind of help is available? A: We have a variety of different services available. Our goal is to assist elders to remain living in the setting of their choice.
| |
|
Q: Who qualifies for home care services? A: Eligibility for home care is based on age, need and financial status. In general we service people age 60 and over who without necessary services could end up in a nursing home. The state determines the financial eligibility on an annual basis.
| |
|
Q: How much do these services cost? A: Services are provided on a sliding scale fee system. The lower ones income is the lower the co-payment will be. Many elders have no co-payment at all.
| |
|
Q: Do you offer any other services for people who may not qualify for the home care program? A: Yes. There are other programs for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families that help them locate and obtain information and needed services.
| |
|
Q: I live with my family. Can I still qualify for services? A: Living with family members does not prevent you from receiving home care services. If your age, income and needs meet the eligibility guidelines, you can receive services even if you live with one or more family members.
| |
| Family & Caregiver Support | |
|
Q: Someone called me a caregiver recently. I never thought of myself that way. What is a caregiver? A: A caregiver is anyone who provides physical, emotional or financial support of any kind to another person who is unable to provide these things for themselves. Many spouses, children, parents or grandparents do not recognize themselves as a caregiver.
| |
|
Q: My spouse was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I have no idea where to begin. Can you help? A: Yes, we can help you. The Family Caregiver program is designed to help people in your situation. We recognize that each family's situation is unique. A Family Caregiver Specialist will meet with you and your loved one to conduct an assessment of your needs. We will help direct you through the aging network and provide you with options, support services and resources that could help you in your caregiving role.
| |
|
Q: What is respite care? A: Respite care is any service that provides people with temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving. Examples of respite services are in home services, adult day health programs or possibly a short nursing home stay.
| |
| Health Insurance | |
|
Q: How do I get help figuring out my prescription coverage or choosing a Medicare plan such as a HMO or a Part D plan? A: The SHINE program is available to assist you. SHINE stands for Serving Health Information Needs of Elders. Shine workers are trained in all aspects of health insurance and give unbiased information to assist you in making an educated decision. SHINE workers cannot make the decision for you, but can assist you to weigh out the pros and cons of different insurances.
| |
|
Q: What is Prescription Advantage? A: Prescription Advantage is a state sponsored program available to Massachusetts residents age 65 or older or to people with disabilities of any age. Prescription Advantage will work with your Medicare Part D plan to lower your prescription drug costs. There is no monthly premium for this program.
Have a question about Prescription Advantage? Email Us | |
| Job Opportunities | |
|
Q: What type of volunteer opportunities are available? A: Please click here for more Volunteer Information.
| |
|
Q: What kind of job opportunities are available and how can I apply? A: Please click here for a list of current openings and details on how to apply.
| |
| Making a Referral & Becoming a Client | |
|
Q: Who can make a referral for an elder to receive services? A: Anyone can make a referral. It is best to discuss the option of home care with the elder beforehand so they will be comfortable accepting a call from a Case Manager.
| |
|
Q: What can I expect when I call to make a referral? A: The Information Services staff will ask you a series of questions that are designed to give us basic information about who you are and what you are looking for. This call typically takes 5 minutes or less.
| |
|
Q: What happens once a referral is made? A: A member of our professional staff will schedule a home visit to complete an initial assessment, determine eligibility and suggest options. The visit is completed following the development of a mutually agreeable care plan.
| |
| Money Management | |
|
Q: What kind of training do Money Management volunteers receive? A: Money Managers are supervised volunteers of North Shore Elder Services. Each volunteer is carefully screened and must successfully complete the money management training prior to becoming matched with a client. All volunteers, clients and sponsoring agencies are insured by AARP.
| |
|
Q: If I do not feel comfortable with my volunteer can I request a different one? A: Yes, it is important to have an honest and trusting relationship with your volunteer. If you are unhappy with your volunteer please contact the Money Management Program Manager at NSES.
| |
|
Q: Am I going to stay in charge of how I spend my money? A: Yes. Bill Payer clients make the final decision on how their money is spent and retain check-signing authority. The volunteer is there to assist you in whatever manner you need.
| |
| Protective Services | |
|
Q: What is Protective Services and who is protected? A: The Protective services program investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and self-abuse for people age 60 or older that live in the community. We strive to implement the least restrictive and least intrusive measures possible to keep elders safe. We understand and respect the balance between the right to self-determination vs. the mandates of the program.
| |
|
Q: What happens after I file a report? A: The report is either screened in or screened out. In most cases, if the report is screened out you will receive a telephone call to let you know. Screened in reports are assigned to a caseworker who will assess the situation. If the allegations are substantiated, the caseworker will work with the elder to alleviate the abuse or neglect.
| |
| Senior Dining | |
|
Q: What are congregate meals? A: Congregate meals are for anyone age 60 or older that would like to enjoy a hot, well-balanced lunch and good company. Lunches are served around noontime at locations across the North Shore.
| |
|
Q: What are home-delivered meals? A: The home delivered meals program, sometimes known as meals on wheels, are available for people age 60 or older who are homebound and cannot prepare a meal for themselves. Hot meals are delivered around noontime Monday through Friday and frozen meals are available for the weekends.
| |
|
Q: Do I have to pay for these meals? A: There is no mandatory cost for our meals. We do suggest a $2.00 voluntary donation but no one would ever be turned away for not offering a donation.
| |
Life. Made Easier.
Frequently Asked Questions