FAQs
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What is Supportive care?
Supportive Care is a Medicare-approved benefit, also referred to as “Palliative Care.” It provides specialized medical care designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, such as dementia. This care focuses on symptom management, comfort, and coordination while a person continues receiving treatment for their condition throughout the progression of the disease. For benefit purposes, we use the term supportive care to refer to palliative care under Medicare’s definition.
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How do I know if my loved one qualifies for supportive care?
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or any form of dementia, they automatically qualify for Medicare-covered palliative care services. Medicare recognizes the complexities of caring for those with long-term chronic conditions, like dementia, and provides this benefit to ensure individuals receive additional medical support as their condition progresses.
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Does Medicare cover supportive care? Will there be any out-of-pocket costs?
Yes, traditional Medicare covers supportive care services for individuals with dementia. There may be minimal out-of-pocket costs for families. We can walk you through the explanation of benefits to help you understand what is covered. If your loved one is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, coverage eligibility will be confirmed before enrollment.
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How do I enroll my loved one in Silverado Supportive Care service?
Enrolling is simple! Since traditional Medicare covers this benefit, we can help you review the explanation of benefits and complete the enrollment process. If your loved one is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, coverage eligibility will be confirmed before enrollment. Your Silverado Memory Care Administrator will connect you with the Supportive Care team today to get started.
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How does supportive care benefit my loved one beyond the care already provided by Silverado Memory Care?
While Silverado Memory Care provides exceptional dementia care, supportive care offers an extra layer of medical oversight from a team specializing in managing symptoms like chronic pain, agitation, medication sensitivity, and sleep disturbances, as well as other challenges that may lead to behavioral expressions. The supportive care team also assists in coordinating care across healthcare providers, which can be critical if your loved one is hospitalized or needs specialized treatment.
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Will supportive care replace my loved one’s primary doctor or the Silverado Memory Care team?
No. Supportive care works in partnership with your loved one’s primary care physician and the Silverado Memory Care team. Medicare’s goal is to enhance, not replace, existing care by providing additional clinical support, symptom management, and coordination of care from the supportive care team
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What if my loved one needs to go to the hospital? How does supportive care help?
The supportive care team’s goal is to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. However, if your loved one requires hospitalization, the supportive care team will assist in coordinating communication between hospital staff, specialists, Silverado Memory Care nurses, and your family. This support helps streamline care, reduce hospital readmissions, and ensure treatment aligns with your loved one’s needs and goals.
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How often will the supportive care team check on my loved one?
The frequency of visits depends on your loved one’s medical needs throughout the progression of their dementia. The supportive care team regularly monitors symptoms and collaborates with Silverado Memory Care staff to ensure proactive adjustments are made to their care plan.
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How does supportive care support families, not just the resident?
Supportive care isn’t just about medical oversight—it’s also about supporting families. Our team provides education, guidance, and regular updates, so families feel informed and reassured. This service helps reduce stress, improve communication, and ensure families have a trusted team advocating for their loved one’s care needs.
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Can my loved one keep receiving supportive care as their dementia progresses?
Yes! Supportive care is designed to provide ongoing support throughout the dementia journey. As your loved one’s condition evolves, our team continually adjusts their care plan to meet their changing needs, ensuring they receive consistent, compassionate, and expert-driven care.
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Can supportive care help prevent my loved one from being hospitalized?
Yes. Many medical concerns can be managed on-site without the disruption of a hospital visit. Silverado Supportive Care’s palliative care team monitors symptoms, provides urgent medical attention, and coordinates with the primary care physician to address health concerns before they escalate. This proactive approach reduces unnecessary hospitalizations while ensuring your loved one receives the right care in a familiar environment.
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What if my loved one has a medical issue—can it be treated in the community instead of the hospital?
In many cases, yes. Silverado’s Supportive Care care team can evaluate and treat medical concerns directly in the community, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital trips. Whether it’s managing pain, addressing respiratory issues, or adjusting medications, our team works with the primary care physician to provide timely, on-site medical care whenever possible.
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What if my loved one has a medical need in the middle of the night?
Medical concerns don’t follow a schedule. Silverado Supportive Care provides 24/7 triage support, ensuring a medical professional is always available to assess your loved one’s condition. Whether it’s adjusting medications, managing symptoms, or dispatching a provider, we focus on reducing hospital visits and ensuring timely care. Our team also keeps your loved one’s primary care physician informed, maintaining seamless communication and continuity of care.