Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common concerns we hear regarding our services. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out – we are here to help!
What are your qualifications?
Our partners – Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc., Entrusted Care LLC, and Mark McDermott of Touching Hearts at Home – are leading community experts in caring for older adults. Our management team holds decades of experience in social work, home care, legal, and business management. We are certified by Aging Life Care Association, National Academy of Certified Care Managers, National Council of Certified Dementia Practictioners, and EssentiALZ trained by the Alzheimer’s Association. Our team includes care managers from various disciplines including nursing, social work, senior living, and finance, providing the peace of mind you deserve.
We’re also proud to have a PAC Certified (Positive Approach to Care) trainer, by Teepa Snow, on our team. This expertise allows us to provide dementia care training to community staff, ensuring more caregivers are equipped with the skills and compassion needed to support those living with dementia.
What makes you different than other private pay geriatric care managers?
Together in Caring stands apart through our certification with the Aging Life Care Association, our 24/7 communication and emergency response options, and our ability to serve families across New York. Unlike many private care managers, we offer a broader reach, constant availability, and a more comprehensive, collaborative approach: partnering with families, providers, and community resources to ensure every client receives the right support at the right time.
If my insurance company or doctor’s office has assigned a care manager to me, why would I need Together in Caring?
Having a care manager through an insurance company or doctor’s office can be very helpful, and we encourage families to take full advantage of that support. However, those care managers often have limited resources and a narrower scope to address the many complex needs of older adults. At Together in Caring, we offer a more comprehensive, concierge-style approach that includes in-person care, continuity, and a broader range of expertise. With deeper experience, knowledge, and resources, we are able to meet needs that often extend beyond what no-cost care management can provide. If all of a person’s needs are met through those services, we fully support that option, but for those who need or want more, we are here to help.
How do you charge for your services?
We typically charge an initial assessment fee. (We do not charge clients for a short initial phone call to determine whether our services are appropriate for the circumstances, so please call us if you are interested in our services.) Any additional assessments required, such as a PRI, may involve additional charges. After our initial assessment, we usually charge an hourly rate for on-going care management services.
We bill monthly and payment is due upon receipt by automatic payment from a bank account. We do not accept credit card payments. Our Service Engagement Agreement provides more specifics regarding our charges.
Who pays for your services?
We are a private pay care management service. In most situations, our client or their family pays directly for our services. Sometimes a client’s long-term care insurance policy, if they have one, will cover our services. Private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not pay for our care.
Does insurance cover your services?
Usually not, except for some long-term care insurance policies.
What is the process to engage your services?
We begin with a short phone call to determine whether our services are a fit for the situation, then proceed to an Initial Consultation which includes getting to know each other better, gathering important information, and completing documents that formally engage our services. The Initial Consultation usually lasts about 90 minutes. From there, you decide if you’d like to engage Together in Caring to proceed with assisting your situation, or if you’d like to take our recommendations and put them into place on your own.
How quickly can you start?
Often within 1-2 business days we can arrange an Initial Consultation.
Can I engage your services to be “on call” in case an emergency arises and I suddenly need your help?
Yes. We offer an Emergency Contact Program that allows us to respond immediately if an urgent situation arises. This program involves getting to know you in advance, completing the necessary paperwork, and conducting assessments so we’re fully prepared to step in when needed. If you’re interested in enrolling, please give us a call, we’d be happy to explain how it works.
Will I have one care manager assigned to me or will I deal with multiple people from your company?
You will have one primary care manager assigned as your main point of contact, with additional team members involved as needed to match your wishes, needs, and our staff’s expertise. Our team collaborates closely to ensure you receive the highest level of support.
What is the relationship between Lifespan and Together in Caring?
Lifespan of Greater Rochester is one of three owners of Together in Caring, LLC. Like any business owner, they share in the profit or loss of the organization, but their employees and nonprofit operations remain entirely separate. Lifespan continues to serve the aging population through more than 30 distinct programs that reach individuals across all socio-economic backgrounds. While Lifespan may refer to Together in Caring when private duty care is appropriate, they also make referrals to other care management organizations to ensure consumers have a choice. Whenever a referral is made to Together in Caring, Lifespan will disclose its ownership interest so families can make fully informed decisions about their care.
How much does a PRI & Screen Cost?
A Patient Review Instrument (PRI) is an assessment developed by the New York State Department of Health, is required for admission into a Skilled Nursing Facility, and is valid for 90 days. Together in Caring charges a one-time fee of $325.00 for this assessment.
