We are fortunate to have expert guides in travel, hiking, and urban exploration in our community. When planning European travel adventures, Rick Steves’ Europe, based in Edmonds, is a go-to for many. For Pacific Northwest hiking, Craig Romano’s guidebooks are a must. Closer to home, there is Susanna Ryan’s delightful books Seattle Walk Report and Secret Seattle.
Just as Rick, Craig, and Susanna share their knowledge, unique perspectives, and insights, so too do my Aging Life Care colleagues with guidance, support, and resources for older adults and their families when it comes to the field of aging.
Our care management team’s individual and collective experiences and expertise in all aspects of aging make them deeply knowledgeable guides and advocates on your journey with aging. We also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in our community and tailor recommendations to the unique needs of each client.
Additionally, we are part of a professional association, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). Through ALCA, we are part of a nationwide network of professionals who follow a code of ethics and standards of practice, as well as benefit from education and training, and mutual support.
What is Aging Life Care?
Aging Life Care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to planning with and caring for older adults, dependent adults, or others facing ongoing health or disability challenges.
As experts in aging well, our Aging Life Care Managers® help older adults, and their families, navigate the journey of aging and make positive, informed decisions and plans. Our guidance leads people to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for themselves or those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time from work for family caregivers through:
- Assessment and monitoring
- Planning and problem-solving
- Education and advocacy
- Family caregiver coaching
The expertise of our Aging Life Care Professionals can be summarized into eight knowledge areas:
- Health and Disability.From physical to mental health and dementia-related concerns, Aging Life Care Managers interact with the health care system effectively and frequently. We attend doctor appointments and facilitate communication between doctor, client, and family. We also help determine types of services – such as home health and hospice – that are right for a client and assist in engaging and monitoring those services.
- Financial. Services may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with a client’s accountant or Power of Attorney. We provide information on federal and state entitlements, connecting families to local programs when appropriate. We also help clients and families with insurance concerns, claims, and applications.
- Housing and Long-Term Care. Our team understands the nuances of supportive living choices, and helps families and clients evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options.
- Families. We help families adjust, cope, and problem-solve around long-distance and in-home caregiving, addressing care concerns, internal conflicts and differences of opinion about long-term care planning.
- Local Resources.We know the specifics of local resources in our community and how services are accessed.
- Advocacy. Aging Life Care Professionals are strong and effective advocates for our clients and their families, promoting the client’s wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring that client’s needs are being adequately addressed.
- Legal. We refer to legal experts, like elder law attorneys, estate planners, and Powers of Attorney. Occasionally, we provide expert opinion for courts in determining level of care and establishing client needs.
- Crisis Intervention.We also offer crisis intervention when it is needed, helping clients navigate emergency departments and hospitalizations, rehabilitation stays, and ensuring that adequate care is available to the client. For families that live at a distance, this can be a much-needed emergency contact.
Planning for the future and adapting to unexpected health or memory changes give you and your family a lot to think about. At Aging Wisdom, our Aging Life Care Managers we take a holistic, client-centered approach to helping individuals, spouses, partners, and families navigate options for enhancing well-being and quality of life.
Would you like a guide for living, caring, and aging well?
Click here to schedule a get-acquainted call with one of our Aging Life Care Managers.
