Professional Aging Life Care Management Explained
What is an Aging Life Care Manager?
Aging Life Care managers/professionals provide direction and guidance regarding aging-related issues and act as advocates for their clients.
Specific services include:
Providing comprehensive needs assessments
Developing and monitoring care plans that serve as a blueprint for solving issues and promoting wellness
Acting as a liaison among a client’s health care providers to ensure a holistic, seamless delivery of care
Attending medical appointments with a client and advocating for their best interests
Providing guidance when specific challenges arise
Educating clients on the numerous local resources available to them and how best to access their services
Provide crisis intervention during emergency situations
Helping family members find a support system and act as an intermediary if conflict arises
Working to find the best possible living situation, which may be a client’s home (with or without the assistance of in-home caregivers) or a senior living community
Coordinating and educating home care workers in delivering superior care
The biggest advantage of using the services of a care manager is that we provide a holistic approach to a senior’s care and have the experience and expertise to find solutions and help ensure positive outcomes.
Who do we help?
We provide services that help both seniors and their families. Other aging care professionals – including elder law attorneys, financial planners, geriatricians, and other health professionals dedicated to geriatric care – also use our services.
Here is just a sample of the people who reach out to us for help:
Seniors who are facing challenges with growing older
Adult children who are overwhelmed with the medical, legal and financial issues their loved one faces
Family caregivers seeking a streamlined plan of care for their loved ones and someone who has the skills and expertise to oversee the plan and ensure its effectiveness
Those struggling with the issues surrounding dementia and memory loss
Individuals with complex medical issues requiring oversight and the ability to coordinate and monitor care solutions
Those who are considering home care or moving to a senior living community
Other senior care providers also seek out our services, including:
Physicians who want their patients to achieve the best possible outcome
Elder law attorneys who don’t have the medical expertise their clients need
Hospital discharge planners who understand the importance of overseeing the transition from a medical facility to home or another health care setting
Senior living communities that need assistance in managing complex medical conditions
If you would like to learn more about how our Care Managers can help you, please contact us today.
When to Get Help?
Many people aren’t sure when the time is right to enlist the services of a care manager. Here are some situations that may signal the need for assistance:
A senior has limited or no family support
Family members live far away and need someone nearby who can respond to needs as they arise
A person has multiple medical or psychological issues
A senior needs to be transitioned from one care environment to another
A family caregiver is burned out and/or confused about differing care solutions
A family has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with their loved one’s chronic care needs
A family is at odds on how best to care for a loved one
A senior is unhappy with their current care and is unable to advocate for him/herself
Dementia is making it difficult for family members to get the help a loved one needs
A senior and their family members need guidance in planning ahead for potential medical issues
Here are some common red flags to look for in your loved one:
Multiple ER visits and/or hospitalizations in a short period of time
Frequent falls or unexplained bruises
Unexplained weight loss
Forgetting to take medication or mistakes in taking medication
Difficult-to-manage behaviors
Getting lost while driving or walking
Social isolation/loss of interest in social activities
Neglecting to pay bills or cash checks
Has been the victim of financial scams
Not eating properly or regularly
Abusing alcohol/drugs
Unsafe driving – getting driving violation tickets frequently and/or involved in driving accidents
Confusion/increased forgetfulness
New balance or mobility problems and refusing to use cane or walker
Health complaints/symptoms, but refusing to see the doctor
Forgetting things cooking on the stove or turning on burners or appliances and forgetting to turn them off
The biggest advantage of using the services of a care manager is that we provide a holistic approach to a senior’s care and have the experience and expertise to find solutions and help ensure positive outcomes.
Paying for Care Management
Aging Life Care services are generally privately paid by our clients.
Medicare, Medicaid and most regular insurance plans do not cover care management.
Some long-term insurance policies and some employers through employer assistance programs (EAPs) are starting to value and cover aging life care services.
Ask your insurance agent or employer to find out if you’re covered or eligible for coverage. Some services may be tax deductible – check with your financial or tax advisor.
In the Miami area, charges for care management services can range from $150-$300 per hour.
An initial comprehensive assessment typically takes between 3-6 hours, depending on the complexity of the intake, and includes a comprehensive report, a customized strategic plan and a list of resources.
Call Care We Trust to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation enquiry to learn more about whether care management services are right for you.
We Can help!
Care We Trust can help your family find the best in-home care providers, at the best price in the Miami Dade area.
Care We Trust is available 24/7 to help you meet all of your personal care and assistance needs by finding you the best in-home caregivers.