The Next Step / ElderAssist

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About ElderAssist, The Next Step

At ElderAssist, our Aging Life Care Professionals and Geriatric Care Managers are experienced professionals who specialize in assisting older adults, those that are disabled, and their families find alternatives to solve problems. We have extensive knowledge about quality, costs and availability of services in the community to help them remain independent as long as possible.

In addition, our knowledge of financial services will assess for Medicare choices, Medicaid eligibility and asset protection.

Through knowledge and compassion, ElderAssist can intercede in a crisis situation and continue to monitor the care needs of your loved one.

ElderAssist

2190 S. Mason Road
Suite 205
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 821-9111 Office
(314) 821-7082 Fax

Referred to The Next Step, or John Riley? We are the same service Read more here...

Geriatric Care Management

Provides education and support for decision making that fits the senior and their families needs for today, while planning for the future.

Personalized In-home Assessment & Comprehensive Plan of Care
Referrals to Community Resources and assistance with nursing home and assisted living placement
Assistance with Medicare plans and bill paying
Family communication & consultation for local and out-of-town caregivers
Crisis intervention, 24 hour availability
Coordination of Medical appointments and medical information

Medicaid Planning & Asset Protection

Our Medicaid Consultant assists families in determining Medicaid eligibility and programs available including the Division of Assets.

Medicaid Planning
Asset Protection
Medicaid Application Filing

Comprehensive Evaluation of all Programs Available for the Client

Medical Assistance Vendor (Nursing Home Coverage)
Division of Assets for Married Couples
Supplemental Nursing Home Cash Grant also for Assisted Living Residents
Medical Assistance Spenddown and Non-Spenddown (Medicaid Health insurance)
Home and Community Based Waiver Service (HCB - Medicaid Home Health Program)
Personal Care Program (Medicaid Home Health for those that don't qualify for HCB)
Blind Pension
Supplemental Aid to the Blind
Veterans Aid and Attendance

Our Team

We have the experience and the commitment your family members deserve

	Maggie Reckert Owner	ALCA Administrative Partner
	Maggie has over 30 years of experience in the field of Elder Care and Medicaid Planning. She was previously a supervisor with the State of Missouri's Family Support Division, Medicaid office. Maggie is also Co-Founder of ElderAssist.com, an important resource for Elder Care Case Managers seeking real time placement options. Her vast knowledge of the Medicaid programs can help families access benefit programs that they may not have known were available. This can include home health, assisted living and nursing home programs. She will develop a customized plan to fit what the family's goals and needs are for a given situation, which can include asset protection. Maggie is a graduate of St. Louis University and a native St. Louisian.
	Diane Smith MS CMC	ALCA Member
	Diane is a professional geriatric care manager with more than 27 years experience providing personalized and compassionate services to older adults and persons with disabilities. Diane holds a B.A. in Gerontology and a Masters degree in Health Care Management from Lindenwood University. She has been a member of the National Association of the Aging Life Care Association™ since 2001, and is recognized through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers as a "Care Manager Certified" (CMC). Diane loves reading, traveling, and cooking.
	Angie Van Den Berg MSG CMC	ALCA Member
	Angie has been working in the aging field since 2004 and has a tremendous wealth of knowledge to share with her clients. Angie received her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Missouri State University in 2006 and her Masters of Science in Gerontology (MSG) from The University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2013. She has been a member of the Aging Life Care Association™ since 2013 and is recognized through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers as a "Care Manager Certified" (CMC).
	Mar Cochrane OT/L	ALCA Member
	Mar is an Occupational Therapist licensed in Missouri with over 30 years of experience working in rehabilitation and home health care. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Mar has additional expertise in the areas of fall prevention and Motivational Interviewing and was a guest lecturer for several years at St Louis University’s Occupational Therapy program, as part of their Aging curriculum. Mar’s passion for care management is rooted in elder care, empathy for others, and extensive health care experience. Interests include hiking, kayaking, gardening and travel. Mar is a member of the National Association of the Aging Life Care Association.
	Brittany Koehler COTA/L	ALCA Member
	Brittany has been working with the senior population for 15 years. Throughout her years of working with older adults, Brittany developed a passion for helping those living with dementia and has gone on to obtain certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and as a Consultant through “Positive Approach to Care”. Her specialty in cognitive care includes assessments, education and consulting. Brittany has been a member of the National Association of the Aging Life Care Association since 2019 and is recognized through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers as "Care Manager Certified" (CMC). She has a background as a Occupational Therapy Assistant and has worked in the home health industry. Brittany enjoys spending her free time with her two daughters and husband exploring parks in the St. Louis area.
	Hannah Tolan MA/G
	Hannah has a Master’s degree in Gerontology from Lindenwood University and also a Bachelor's Degree in Radiological Sciences from SIU Carbondale. She fell in love with seniors when she went back to school for her Master’s and worked part time as in-home caregiver. After graduating with her MA, Hannah worked for private duty in home care agencies as both a Case Manager and Client Relations Manager. She also was a Care Transitions Coach and helped seniors over 60 with a hospital to home program to prevent re-admissions to the hospital. Before coming to the Next Step ElderAssist, Hannah worked as a Case Worker at Saric Consulting helping clients and families apply for Long Term Care and Supportive Living Medicaid for residents in IL. Hannah helps with day-to-day office tasks, billing, assists Maggie with Medicaid clients, and does Care Management duties. She enjoys writing, entertaining friends, going to church, and makes homemade jellies and jam with her family.
	Tina Gust
	Tina has 20 years experience in geriatic patient care. She possesses extensive experience in memory care and assisted living. Certified in Advanced Person Centered Dementia care. Tina is a 2018 DAISY award recipient. Tina is a thirty year resident of Weldon Spring and an active community member.
	Micha Gaines MSW
	Micha is a graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Social Work. She is passionate about being an advocate for older adults and helping others understand the aging process. Micha believes in building strong relationships with each client that can be leveraged to provide the highest quality care. She is a person-first decision maker who works well with partners inside and outside of the Elder Assist team. In addition to her Master’s in Social Work, Micha has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Truman State University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her family.