Frequently Asked Questions

An Aging Life Care Expert (also called a Geriatric Care Manager) is a trained professional—typically a nurse or social worker—who specializes in helping older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and long-term care. Nova brings advanced clinical expertise, including master's-level nursing credentials, to this role. As a member of the Aging Life Care Association, we are held to the highest ethical standard. We do not get financial compensation for any referrals. Our recommendations are based on experience, not financial incentive compared to placement agencies.

Nova acts as the architect of your loved one's care—assessing needs, coordinating providers, and advocating within the healthcare system. Home health agencies provide hands-on staff who deliver direct care (bathing, medication management, etc.). We ensure those services are the right fit and are performing well. Think of Nova as the expert overseeing the entire picture.

Families typically turn to us when care needs become complex, when distance makes oversight difficult, when family members disagree on the right approach, or when they simply want expert guidance to ensure their loved one is receiving the best possible care. Our clinical expertise often identifies issues and opportunities that families—and sometimes even providers—miss.

Both disciplines are valuable, but a nursing background enables Michelle to review medications for potential interactions or errors, catch clinical warning signs, communicate effectively with medical providers, and advocate with clinical authority. This advanced clinical lens is one of Nova's key differentiators.

As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Michelle has specialized training in dementia care, behavior management, and person-centered support. This means we can help families understand behavioral changes, recommend environmental modifications, guide conversations with medical providers, and provide education and emotional support to the entire family system.

Yes. Accompanying clients to medical appointments is one of the most impactful services we offer. Michelle ensures accurate medical history is conveyed, asks the clinical questions families don't know to ask, captures recommendations accurately, and provides written summaries following each visit. Most importantly, she ensures that there is follow through with recommendations, whether at home or a facility.

Generally, private health insurance and Medicare do not reimburse for geriatric care management services. However, some long-term care insurance policies do partially cover these services. We can help you review your coverage and understand your options.

Absolutely. We specialize in crisis intervention and can engage quickly during hospitalizations, ensure safe and appropriate discharge planning, evaluate and recommend rehabilitation facilities, and coordinate follow-up care. Families in crisis often benefit most from immediate expert involvement.

Yes. Selecting a care community is one of the most important decisions a family makes. We evaluate facilities based on staffing levels, clinical quality, dementia programming, regulatory history, and alignment with your loved one's specific needs—so you make an informed choice, not a pressure-driven one. As a member of the Aging Life Care Association, we are held to the highest ethical standard. We do not get financial compensation for any referrals. Our recommendations are based on experience, not financial incentive compared to placement agencies.

Yes. Virtual consultation and advisory services are available nationwide. In-person services are available in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Prince William County. We are happy to discuss how we can best support your family regardless of location.