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 areas 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 COVID-19 Vaccine
About COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination has virtually eliminated smallpox and polio and also has diminished the negative affect of many other diseases. To be as effective against COVID-19, it is necessary for people in the US and around the world to get immunized through vaccination. By getting vaccinated, you can be part of the solution.
Vaccines to combat COVID-19 are now available in the United States. Information is changing rapidly as to the availability and distribution of the vaccine. And administration of the vaccine does vary state by state. What the rigors of science tell us is that vaccination will save lives and can help make a difference in slowing the vicious spread of this virus.
This link will bring you to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website. You can find accurate and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Federal Trade Commission created this infographic to help avoid falling for a vaccine scam.
Who is eligible now?
Vaccine distribution is determined by local health departments. Every state has a website with information about COVID-19. Some counties have websites you can use to find your own eligibility for receiving the vaccine. You will need to register, input your zip code and respond to several health questions in order to receive information back.
Links to county-level information which is available are below:
Bucks County Health Department
Chester County Health Department (also serving Delaware County)
Philadelphia County Health Department
Montgomery County Health Department
Links to state-level information are below:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Delaware Division of Public Health
New Jersey Department of Health
For other states, click this link then scroll down to select a state and see the information provided.
Where will I get the vaccine?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided an interactive map of COVID-19 vaccination locations. According to the map, some of those locations already have received doses of the vaccine and some have not. Others are expected to come online as the rollout reaches a wider and wider swath of the public.
Currently, the Federal Pharmacy Partnership has vaccination clinics at 159 skilled nursing facilities. Once Phase 1B starts, there is expected to be a mix of regional vaccination sites and more localized employer-based clinics for essential workers and others in the group. By the time the largest, latest groups are eligible, the vaccine is expected to be available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices and the like.
On Friday, January 15, 2021, Gov. Wolf signed a waiver that will allow pharmacies to order and administer the COVID-19 vaccine without a doctor’s orders.*
*Source
Your wellbeing and security
At the time of this post, more than 385,000 Americans and nearly 2 million people globally have lost their lives to COVID-19. This alarming figure continues to grow. Because of this, we strongly encourage you to always protect yourself and others by following the critically important steps which can aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19: wear a face mask, stay physically distant from others – at least 6 feet apart and avoid all crowds — and wash your hand for at least 20 seconds.
We care about your wellbeing and security and are committed to regularly updating and sharing information we glean from reliable sources regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Check back on this section of the website for those updates.
About Services Offered
IVA does not offer housing – what related services might you offer?
Although IVA does not provide housing, we have the expertise to help clients identify and move into a housing situation that is a fit for their needs and can take on this role for a fee.
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 have experience partnering with attorneys and trust officers who, in turn, work with special needs clients. This includes experience in special needs trusts and related issues that may arise.
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
Intervention Associates does not accept insurance – what is the payment structure?
IVA does 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, travel time & home visits (when safe in regards to COVID-19), videoconferencing, email follow-up, 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.