Do you offer CEUs?

Yes, currently, I offer two CEU presentations:

1. The Virtual Dementia Tour provides CEUs for nurses, social workers, dieticians, and activity professionals.

2. The Dementia Connection: Discharge Planning Guide Emphasizing Effective Communication for Those With a Dementia Diagnosis, which provides CEUs for OTs, PTs, RNs, LCPC, LNHA, and social workers

3. Coming Soon: A dementia presentation created for the hour-long annual requirement for hospital clinical staff. Stay tuned!

Do you take insurance?

No. Insurance does not cover consultation fees. It’s important to remember that consultation is not considered a clinical counseling service.

Is this a Geriatric Case Management Service?

No. While I have 25 years of case management experience, this small business is not intended to provide geriatric case management services. If you are looking for geriatric case management services in the Chicagoland area, I would be happy to refer you to organizations with which I have professional relationships.

Are you available 24-7 for questions about dementia care? 

No. There are dementia care services that offer 24-7 call services, but this small business is not capable of operating at that bandwidth. Business hours are typically Monday through Friday and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Exceptions are made for individual consultations and support groups as needed. If you are having an emergency or have an immediate need, please call 911 and ask for immediate help.

What can I expect from a consultation visit? 

The first part of our meeting will largely involve me listening to you explain the situation you are in. Every story and the cast of characters are very different, so it’s helpful for me to write down the who, what, when, where, and why of your circumstances. Often I find that financial factors and where a person is on the dementia journey play an important role in making decisions; while I will not need specific private information initially, I may ask questions on these subjects to help us identify appropriate services and resources the memory impaired person is eligible for.

These conversations can be very difficult, perhaps even traumatic, for the person with the diagnosis, and it is suggested that the person with the diagnosis not be present during the visit, if possible. Meetings can occur in public places like libraries, coffee shops, or restaurants.

Why would I pay you a consultation fee when others offer a similar service for free?

It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as free. My fee is simply charging for my time and expertise. I am not beholden to any other organization or business and my services are for people of all socioeconomic situations. My career covers experience in state-funded low-income benefits and HUD Senior Housing as well as private pay luxury memory care communities. I do not receive incentives or reimbursement for referrals, recommendations, or successful transitions to care, unlike many claimed free services in the area.

What many people do not realize is that free services are often linked with specific businesses or organizations that incentivize referrals and reward transitions or successful transactions to particular communities. I am free of these persuasions, and my only incentive is to help you navigate the very best possible plan for your particular situation. I want you and me to both sleep well at night, knowing we did our best work.