Aging Life Care / Geriatric Care Management is a client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges.  An individually tailored care plan is prepared after an in-depth evaluation and assessment.

 

Aging Life Care Professionals are engaged to assist in a variety of areas, such as:

• 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 and security – monitoring the client at home; recommending technologies to add to security or safety; observing changes and potential risks of exploitation or abuse

 

Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.

 

A care plan tailored for each individual’s needs is prepared after a comprehensive assessment.

 

The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change.

 

 

 

 

Working with families and other professionals, our experts provide answers in times of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the decisions that ensure an optimal quality of life for those in their care. The outcome is to help reduce worry and stress and time off of work for family members and caregivers. 

 

Our professionals provide the following:

• Assessment and Monitoring

• Planning and Problem Solving

• Family Education and Advocacy

• Assist with Record Keeping and Bill Paying

• Caregiver Coaching 

 

An Aging Life Care Professional, also known as a geriatric care manager, is a 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 of several fields related to aging, including, but not limited to Social Work, Nursing, Gerontology or Psychology.

 

The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential.  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.

​

We are often referred to as "The Quarterback", assisting all other players to achieve their goals as they relate to the client's well being. We bring all the pieces of the puzzle together for the client's well being. 

ACLS members must meet stringent education, experience and certification requirements of the organization and all members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, set forth by our National Organization and Credentialing Board.

 

What other services do our Care Managers provide?

 

●     Assist younger adults who are facing challenges related to a physical disability or chronic health care issue. These may include Developmental Disabilities, Brain Injuries and Mental Health issues.

●     Life Care Planning Assessments to help attorneys, financial planners and other professionals help map out appropriate short and long term life plans for their clients.

●     Help parents who are concerned about a young adult or middle-aged adult child with disabilities. These life care professionals have experience and credentials to work with all ages.

●     Manage medical and financial records. Help obtain necessary Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives.

 

Signs & Symptoms of Needing a Care Manager...

 

• Repeated trips to the hospital or Emergency room.

• When caring for a family member becomes overwhelming.

• When you are missing too much work or getting passed by for a promotion.

• The person you are caring for has limited or no family support.

• You need further direction and guidance about which way to turn or help navigating our often fragmented healthcare system.

• The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues.

• The person is unable to live safely in their current living situation.

• You need more information on available resources or community services.

• Your family is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions.

• Your family has a limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved one’s chronic care needs.

• The person and family are at odds regarding care decisions.

• The person you are caring for is not pleased with current care providers and requires professional guidance in selecting appropriate medical providers.

• The person is confused about his/her own financial and/or legal situation.

• Your family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia or other psychological conditions.

 

The Benefits of Using a Care Manager:

 

• An individually tailored Plan of Care is developed for the client, with specific recommendations for moving forward.

• Maintaining a focusing on the client's individual needs and desires.

• The Care Manager assures that the client receives continuity of care, while communication with family members, doctors and other service providers.

• The Care Manager is mindful of a client's budget and financial considerations in coordinating care, selecting appropriate placements, avoiding unnecessary or duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations or treatments.

• Quality Review – Our Care Managers demand quality services and provide ongoing monitoring and oversight of services being delivered to our clients.