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•
HOUSING
– helping families evaluate
and select appropriate level of housing
or residential options
•
HOME CARE SERVICES
–
determining types of services that
are right for a client and assisting the
family to engage and monitor those
services
•
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
–
attending doctor appointments,
facilitating communication between
doctor, client, and family, and if
appropriate, monitoring client’s
adherence to medical orders and
instructions
•
COMMUNICATION
– keeping family
members and professionals informed
as to the well-being and changing
needs of the client
•
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
– providing
opportunity for client to engage
in social, recreational, or cultural
activities that enrich the quality of life
•
LEGAL
– referring to or consulting
with an elder law attorney; providing
expert opinion for courts in
determining level of care
•
FINANCIAL
– may include reviewing
or overseeing bill paying or consulting
with accountant or client’s Power of
Attorney
•
ENTITLEMENTS
– providing
information on Federal and state
entitlements; connecting families to
local programs
•
SAFETY & SECURITY
– monitoring
the client at home; recommending
technologies to add to security
or safety; observing changes and
potential risks of exploitation or abuse
•
LONG-DISTANCE CARE
–
coordinating the care of a loved one
for families that live at a distance,
including crisis management. Local,
cost-effective resources are identified
and engaged as needed.
UNDERSTANDING AGING LIFE CARE™
by Jessica Rowe, LCSW-C,
Jessica Rowe ElderCare Consulting, LLC
AGING LIFE CARE/GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT is a
holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others
facing ongoing health challenges. Aging Life Care Professionals™
provide support and guidance to families, helping to ensure quality
care and an optimal life for those they love and thus reducing worry,
stress and time off from work for family caregivers.
Aging Life Care Professionals are engaged to assist in a variety of
areas, such as:
AN AGING LIFE CARE PROFESSIONAL,
also known as a geriatric care
manager, is a fee for service health
and human services specialist who
acts as a guide and advocate for
families who are caring for older
relatives or disabled adults.
The Aging Life Care Professional is
educated and experienced in any
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care/care management, including,
but not limited to gerontology,
nursing, social work, psychology,
or occupational therapy, with a
specialized focus on issues related
to aging and elder care.
The Aging Life Care Professional
assists clients in attaining their
maximum
functioning.
The
individual’s
independence
is
encouraged, while safety and security
concerns are also addressed. Aging
Life Care Professionals are able to
address a broad range of issues
related to the well-being of their
client. They also have extensive
knowledge about the costs, quality,
and availability of resources in their
communities.
Aging Life Care Professionals are
members of the Aging Life Care
Association™ (ALCA) and differ from
Patient Advocates, Senior Advisors,
Senior Navigators, and Elder
Advocates. ALCAmembersmustmeet
stringent education, experience, and
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organization and all members are
required to adhere to a strict code of
ethics and standards of practice.
When caregiving for a family member
becomes overwhelming, it may
be time to contact an Aging Life
Care Professional.information and
assistance.
26
H OWA R D C O U N T Y C A R E G I V E R G U I D E