Topic: hospitalization
In this podcast episode, we provide a snapshot of the many ways a Care Manager (aka Aging Life Care Professional) can offer guidance, coordination, crisis intervention, and most importantly, peace of mind. A Care Manager is an essential tool in a client’s resources toolbox.
Care Managers help in a multiple of ways. Here are a few examples of how we’ve assisted in a variety of situations, from preventing falls to managing care costs to recommendations for supports to remain at home.
Consultations. Sometimes families and friends meet with us separately, not involving the individual for whom there is concern, initially, be it a parent, spouse, or close friend. They may be worried about the person in their care remaining at home safely, or how best to manage a new health diagnosis, or managing resistance to help.
Other times, it’s a valid concern about money and the cost of care. Or Aunt Sally hasn’t set up her powers of attorney, or she doesn’t have a will or advance directives, and she has a cognitive impairment. They’re seeking advice on what they should do to make sure the person in their care is protected.
When we have a consultation, we’re looking at the immediate as well as the big picture. We help with next steps, recommendations, and resources. Oftentimes families will ask us for our assistance to implement next steps.
Home assessments. During an assessment, we observe and assess the client within their own home. We’re looking head-to-toe, not in a medical evaluation approach, but in a daily living and life management approach. We also assess the home for safety and what could make it easier for the client to remain in their home.
As Care Managers, we can serve as the point person to help with navigation, guidance, and implementation. We listen. We educate. We advocate. We coach. We reduce stress. We help clients save time and money.
Want to explore the benefits of working with a Care Manager? Click here to schedule a get-acquainted call with a Certified Care Manager.
RESOURCES
- What is Aging Life Care?– fact sheet
- Falls Prevention: From Awareness to Action– blog
- The Dance: Finding Balance When Helping an Aging Parent– article
- Aging Wisdom’s Services brochure– downloadable
Judy had an emergency hip replacement after a fall. She needs to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled nursing facility. She needs several weeks of intensive physical therapy to be able to walk again. Then she may need to live in assisted living.
The discharge planner has a list of options. Judy and her daughter, who lives an hour away, don’t know how to make a wise choice.
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To those of us who work with older adults, it comes as no surprise that falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older. Each year, more than one in four adults 65 and older will fall. As Aging Life Care Professionals®, our role is to help clients manage their health, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and improve their quality of life. Our work often includes efforts to reduce falls. …
At 72, Betsy is doing all the right things to ensure she maintains good health and continues to enjoy physical, emotional, mental, and financial health well into her 80s and beyond. She eats a Mediterranean diet, doesn’t smoke, drinks in moderation, exercises regularly, has adjusted her spending and investments for retirement, goes to regular check-ups with her doctor and gets the recommended health screenings. Additionally, she gardens, spends quality time with family and friends, takes classes, travels, and volunteers. Her life is busy, full, and fun.
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Many families have questions about how to best care for their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. This list of frequently asked questions can provide your family with helpful guidance.
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The Impact of COVID-19 on an Older Adult’s Living SituationRead More »