Medicaid Managed Care - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

ALZMEIMER'S5
ASSOCIATION
Someone to Stand by You
47
MEDICAID MANAGED CARE FOR
THE ELDERLY AND OTHERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
June 24, 1997
THE FOLLOWING REPRESENT THE BEST PRACTICE IN THE CONTEXT OF
MANAGING A FRAIL OLDER ADULT IN THE COMMUNITY:
*1. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT THE PROVIDERS OF CARE HAVE A WORKING
KNOWLEDGE OF GERIATRICS AND THE CARE OF THOSE WITH
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS. THESE
PROVIDERS MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE DEMENTIA CAPABLE
SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT AND
KNOWLEDGE IN THE AREA OF CAREGIVER STRESS.
*2.THE PLAN OF CARE IS CONSUMER DRIVEN AND THE DECISION-
MAKING PROCESS INCLUDES THE INDIVIDUAL AND/OR RESPONSIBLE
PARTY.
*3.THE MANAGEMENT BE COORDINATED THROUGH AN
INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS, PARA
PROFESSIONALS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND/OR RESPONSIBLE PARTIES.
THE FOLLOWING REPRESENT OBSTACLES TO OBTAINING SERVICES:
*1.SECURING PAYMENT FOR SERVICES IN OUR CURRENT SYSTEM FOR
SOMEONE WHO NEEDS ONGOING "CUSTODIAL CARE" IS ALMOST
IMPOSSIBLE. THE ISSUE OF NEEDING SKILLED CARE SUCH AS:
REGISTERED NURSES, HOME HEALTH AIDES, PHYSICAL THERAPY,
AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYVERSUS CUSTODIAL CARE SUCH AS
COMPANIONS, HOME MAKERS, OR DAY CARE IS A SIGNIFICANT
Ai ZHEI.NIER's DISEASE A\D RFLATED Dis'(RI)DERS AS()( I\(