What is a geriatric care manager?

A geriatric care manager is a licensed health or human services professional who specializes in helping older adults and their families navigate senior care decisions. At Answers for Elders, our Certified Geriatric Care Managers assess your loved one's needs, create a care plan, coordinate services, and advocate on their behalf.

What areas does Answers for Elders serve?

Answers for Elders serves seniors and families throughout Massachusetts and New England, including Plymouth County, Bristol County, Cape Cod, the South Shore, and surrounding areas. Call 781-974-7474 to confirm service in your specific town.

How do I get started with geriatric care management services?

Call us at 781-974-7474 for a free phone consultation. Our team will learn about your situation and explain how our geriatric care management and home health care services can help.

Does insurance cover geriatric care management?

Most geriatric care management services are private pay. However, some long-term care insurance policies do cover care management. We can help you navigate your coverage options. Call 781-974-7474 for more information.

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Why This Matters for Massachusetts Families

Paying for elder care is one of the biggest concerns families face. Medicare and Medicaid are both government programs — but they work very differently, especially when it comes to home care and long-term services.

Medicare: What It Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older. For home care, Medicare will cover:

Skilled nursing care at home (after a hospitalization or qualifying medical event)
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy when medically necessary
Part-time home health aide services when skilled care is also needed

Medicare does NOT cover:

Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, meals) when it's the only service needed
24-hour home care
Personal care services on an ongoing basis

Medicaid (MassHealth) in Massachusetts

MassHealth is Massachusetts' Medicaid program and can cover a much broader range of home and community-based services for eligible individuals. MassHealth can cover:

Personal care attendant (PCA) services
Adult Day Health Programs
Home health aide services
Community-based nursing
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

Eligibility is based on financial need (income and assets). A Medicaid planning attorney can help families understand the rules and plan appropriately.

Other Payment Sources

Long-Term Care Insurance

If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, review the policy carefully — benefits vary significantly.

Veterans Benefits

Eligible veterans and their spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit, which can help pay for home care or assisted living.

Private Pay

Many families pay out of pocket for home care services while exploring other options. Rates in Plymouth and the South Shore area typically range from $25–$35/hour for home health aides.

How a Geriatric Care Manager Can Help

Navigating insurance and benefits is complex. Our team at Answers for Elders can:

Help you understand what coverage your loved one has
Identify benefit programs they may qualify for
Connect you with elder law attorneys and financial advisors
Coordinate services to maximize coverage

Call (781) 974-7474 for a confidential consultation.

Understanding Medicare vs. Medicaid for Home Care in Massachusetts