Frequently Asked Questions

It is a professional practice that focuses on determining the individual needs of a client and family. Care Managers design a personalized, complete care plan to maximize comfort, security and to ensure positive outcomes.

At C&S we hire only qualified individuals as Care Managers. Each of our Care Mangers is either an experienced nurse, social worker, or gerontologist. Our Care Managers are professionals who are passionate about the senior adult population, and specialize in assisting them and their families in attaining the highest possible quality of life.

A caregiver is defined as a family member, friend, neighbor, partner, or other unpaid person who stands by those they love as they face chronic illness, disability or the needs of typical aging.  These people provide essential, but unpaid services to keep their loved ones safe, and as healthy as possible.  The majority of these caregivers are also employed fulltime.

Advance care planning means planning ahead for how you want to be treated if you are very ill or near death.  Sometimes when people are in an accident or have an incurable illness, they are not able to talk or communicate their wishes.  Texas law allows you to tell your doctor how you want to be treated by using an Advance Directive. 

For more detailed information go to:  Attorney General of Texas website:  http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_publications/txts/advance_care.shtml

• Admit that having help will make a difference in your life and the life of your loved one.
• Ask for help - this is a sign of strength and not of weakness.
• Accept help - be a gracious receiver.
• Define the help you need as specifically as possible.

You might consider opening your conversation with one of the following questions.

"I know you can manage on your own, but I'm here if you need me.  Have you thought about where you'd like to live if you needed more help?"

"Have you thought about what you would do in an emergency?"

"Could you give me the name and phone numbers of your (doctor, lawyer, accountant, or others that might help manage their affairs) in case there is an emergency?"

"Dad, since Mom pays the bills and you prepare the taxes, do you know each other's filing systems?  I'd like to know, too, since Mom might need help if anything happens to you."

"Mom, I have recently been looking over my life insurance policies and will and have made sure that they are filed in a safe place.  Have you and Dad done this?"

"I want to talk with you about the future while you are both healthy.  You always took good care of me.  Someday it might be my turn to take care of you, and I want to know what's important to you."