Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. If you would like more information or have any other questions, give us a call today at 610-254-9001.
About Care Managers
What is a care manager?
A care manager is a health and human services professional. Their career mission is to manage the care of individuals in order to maintain and improve quality of life. This begins with a thorough biopsychosocial needs assessment. Using this information as a guide, the care manager then plans, recommends, coordinates and monitors a client’s care and relevant services.
What kind of education and training are typical for IVA care managers?
A care manager most typically has a degree in social work, nursing, psychology or a related field. At IVA, the majority of care managers are Master’s degree level professionals. Because locating, arranging for and overseeing services can be a challenging task for individuals and their loved ones, IVA care managers are trained problem solvers with comprehensive knowledge of the quality and availability of services in the region we serve.
How does Intervention Associates choose a care manager for a particular client?
We have proven experience and invest significant thought and effort into matching staff and clients. We understand that personal chemistry between care managers, clients and family members is extremely important. In addition, we take geographic location into consideration and seek to match a client with a care manager who may reside in closer proximity.
Occasionally, a fit between a client and their care manager may not feel quite right. If you or your loved one is not completely comfortable with the care manager assigned, we will gladly make other arrangements.
About Care Management
How can I sign up for case management services?
It is easy to begin the process. You can sign up for case management services with IVA by contacting our office and connecting with our intake coordinator.
What region do you serve?
Intervention Associates primarily provides services in the five-county greater Philadelphia region (Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks and Chester counties) and South Jersey. If you are seeking help outside the Mid-Atlantic, give us a call. We have experience and connections required to recommend ongoing care management and home care services outside of this area and across the nation.
Can you help me find a care manager in another state?
Yes – As a member of Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers), Intervention Associates is part of a highly qualified network of providers across the country. We can help you find top-quality resources through this organization, through our care managers’ personal knowledge and resources, and through other trusted professional networks.
About Guardianship and Power of Attorney Services
What is legal guardianship?
Legal guardianship is a service provided for an individual who has demonstrated full or partial inability to care for himself. It is a court-appointed role. Intervention Associates can assume guardianship for an individual when family or friends are unavailable or not able to serve as guardian.
Does IVA serve as guardian for individuals with mental illness?
Yes – IVA can serve as a guardian and can also serve as health care power of attorney for specific services for individuals with mental illness. The team will work with you and your loved one to determine what is the best option for your situation.
Does IVA serve as guardian for individuals with special needs?
Yes – IVA can serve as a guardian and can also serve as health care power of attorney for specific services for individuals with special needs of all ages and conditions. The team will work with you and your loved one to determine what is the best option for your situation.
Does IVA serve as guardian for seniors?
Yes – IVA can serve as a guardian and can also serve as health care power of attorney for specific services for seniors. We can help with aging in place or provide supplemental services in a facility. The team will work with you and your loved one to determine what is the best option for your situation.
Do you provide power of attorney services?
Yes – Intervention Associates can serve as a health care power of attorney. Durable power of attorney legally designates certain powers to others in the case of an incapacitating condition. It is established with the help of an attorney and can be revoked at any time by the client. Intervention Associates functions in health care power of attorney roles.
About Services Offered
Does IVA offer housing?
No – IVA does not provide housing; however we have the expertise to help clients identify and move into a housing situation that is a fit for their needs.
Can you help my family member if they are in a nursing home or an assisted living facility?
Yes – We have long-standing, professional relationships with continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospitals throughout the region we serve. We frequently provide health care advocacy and arrange for supplemental services for clients in facility care.
Who can benefit from supplemental services in a facility?
Supplemental services are particularly useful for clients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease who are physically mobile yet could benefit from additional supervision.
How much notice is required before IVA can begin to provide services?
We always prefer as much time as possible to ensure the best fit for our clients; however, circumstances can often create an urgent need. We make every effort to provide services in whatever time frame we are given.
Can Intervention Associates help with special needs trusts?
Yes – Our care managers are well known and respected by local attorneys and trust officers who work with special needs clients. We have proven experience in special needs trusts and related issues and work in this area on a regular basis.
Can Intervention Associates help with medical assistance benefits and waiver programs?
Yes – Our care managers frequently assist clients in obtaining private insurance coverage and in navigating and securing medical assistance, including Medicaid waiver programs.
About Benefits and Policies
Does Intervention Associates accept insurance?
We do not currently accept insurance and do not receive government support. We are a private pay option which enables us to be more flexible and dedicated to delivering services in our client’s best interest.
What services are included in my fees?
Along with assessment, recommendation and ongoing care management, a care manager’s hourly rate can also cover research, home visits, email follow-up, travel time, report writing, recommendations and phone conferences. Every situation is different. We will clearly communicate in advance so you understand what services are recommended and what they are anticipated to cost.
Will my publicly-funded benefits be affected if I receive IVA services?
No – Receiving services from IVA does not disqualify a client from receiving government benefits. In fact, IVA can help ensure that a client is receiving the benefits they deserve.
Can IVA help understand Medicare benefits and decide the best coverage for my needs?
Yes – We help clients deal with these questions daily. Collectively, our care managers have decades of experience with Medicare as well as Medicaid coverage and services.
Can Intervention Associates help with VA benefits?
Yes – we can help clients work through the complex VA system to obtain the benefits to which clients are entitled. Often, clients who served in the military are unfamiliar with all of the benefits and services available to them through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. New legislation and initiatives continually change availability and access.
What is your policy in regards to HIPAA regulations?
We carefully adhere to HIPAA regulations. Your care manager will communicate with a client and their family to identify who can and should receive information about the case.