Aging Life Care / geriatric care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. What is an Aging Life Care Professional? 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 life care / care management, including, but not limited to gerontology, nursing, social work, psychology or occupational therapy. The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individuals independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Aging Life Care Professionals 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. ALCA members must meet the 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. What Services do Aging Life Care Professionals Provide? Aging Life Care Professionals provide guidance to help families ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love through: Assessment and monitoring Planning and problem-solving Education and advocacy Family caregiver coaching Long-distance caregiving Aging Life Care Professionals are engaged to assist in a variety of areas, such as: Housing helping families evaluate and select the appropriate level of housing or residential options. Home care services determining the 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 clients 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 opportunities for the client to engage in social, recreational or cultural activities that enrich quality of life. Legal referring to or consulting with an elder law attorney; providing expert opinions for courts in determining level of care. Financial may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with an accountant or clients 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. 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. A care plan tailored for each individuals circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. How do you know that you need an Aging Life Care Professional? You may need an Aging Life Care Professional if: The person you are caring for has limited or no family support. Your family has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services. The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues. The person you are caring for is unable to live safely in his/her current environment. Your family is either burned out or confused about care solutions. Your family has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved ones chronic care needs. Your family is at odds regarding care decisions. The person you are caring for 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. You live at a distance from your loved one. Contact Elder Maze Solutions, an Aging Life Care provider, to learn more.
What is Aging Life Care?Aging Life Care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to planning with and caring for aging adults, dependent adults, or others facing ongoing health or disability challenges. As experts in aging well, Aging Life Care Managers help older adults navigate the challenges of aging and make positive, informed decisions and plans. Their 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 off of work for family caregivers through:Assessment and monitoringPlanning and problem-solvingEducation and advocacyFamily caregiver coachingAging Life Care Professionals - The Experts in Aging WellThe expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals can be summarized into eight knowledge areas. Lets take a closer look:Health and Disability. From physical problems to mental health and dementia-related problems, Aging Life Care Managers interact with the health care system effectively and frequently. Aging Life Care Professionals attend doctor appointments and facilitate communication between doctor, client, and family. These professionals 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 clients accountant or Power of Attorney. Aging Life Care Professionals provide information on Federal and state entitlements, connecting families to local programs when appropriate. They also help clients and families with insurance concerns, claims, and applications.Housing. Aging Life Care Professionals help families and clients evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options.Families. Aging Life Care Professionals 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. Aging Life Care Professionals know the specifics of the local resources in their communities and know how services are accessed.Advocacy. Aging Life Care Professionals are strong and effective advocates for clients and their families, promoting the clients wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring that clients needs are being adequately addressed.Legal. Aging Life Care Professionals refer to legal experts, like elder law attorneys, estate planners, and Powers of Attorney. Some Aging Life Care Professionals provide expert opinion for courts in determining level of care and establishing client needs.Crisis Intervention. Aging Life Care Professionals offer crisis intervention when it is needed, helping clients navigate through 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 24/7 emergency contact.Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.A care plan tailored for each individuals circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change.What is an Aging Life Care Professional?An Aging Life Care Professional 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 Life Care management, including, but not limited to counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individuals 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 become the coach and families or clients the team captain. Search for an Aging Life Care Professional near you.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. ALCA 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. For more information on membership requirements, please click here.What other services do Aging Life Care Professionals provide?While the majority of Aging Life Care clients are older adults, many also assist younger adults who face the challenges of disability or serious illness.Aging Life Care Professionals may help people who have:Physical DisabilitiesDevelopmental Disabilities, (e.g. Intellectual Disabilities, Downs Syndrome, or Autism)Brain InjuryMental Health ProblemsChronic or Serious Illnesses of any typeAging Life Care Professionals can often 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. The life care professional conducts a comprehensive assessment and helps the family plan for the current and future needs of their adult child.How Do You Know When You Need an Aging Life Care Professional?When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact an Aging Life Care Professional.You may need an Aging Life Care Professional if the person you are caring for:has multiple medical or psychological issuesis unable to live safely in their current environmentis not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacyis confused about their own financial and/or legal situationhas limited or no family supportOr if your family:has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available servicesis either burned out or confused about care solutionshas limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individuals chronic care needs and does not live close byis at odds regarding care decisionsneeds education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementiaIf you are looking for an Aging Life Care Professional in your area this website includes a searchable directory of our members.Back to TopWhat are the benefits of using an Aging Life Care Professional?Aging Life Care services are offered in a variety of settings. Professionals can serve the needs of their clients by providing:Personalized and compassionate service focusing on the individuals wants and needs.Accessibility care is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Continuity of care communications are coordinated between family members, doctors and other professionals, and service providers.Cost containment inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.Quality control Aging Life Care services follow ALCAs Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Living independently is a priority for many veterans, and VA home care services make that possible. These services are designed to provide essential support, helping veterans manage daily tasks while staying in the comfort of their own homes. From assistance with personal care to meal preparation and mobility support, VA home care services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.Beyond physical assistance, these services also offer emotional support and companionship, promoting a sense of independence and dignity. With professional caregivers handling everyday challenges, veterans can focus on their well-being and enjoy life with confidence. VA home care services are a valuable resource for fostering independence and improving the quality of life for those who served.The Role of VA homecare services in Independent LivingIndependent living is crucial for veterans, and homecare services are designed to support this goal. These services help veterans manage their daily routines, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and mobility assistance, all within the comfort of their homes.By providing personalized care tailored to their needs, veterans can maintain their independence without feeling overwhelmed. VA homecare services also offer families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in capable, compassionate hands. This support helps veterans thrive in a safe and dignified environment.How VA home care services Empower Veterans at HomeFor veterans, the ability to stay at home while receiving the care they need is life-changing. VA homecare services offer comprehensive support, from household chores to specialized personal care, ensuring veterans maintain control over their lives.With expert caregivers providing tailored assistance, veterans can focus on enjoying their independence without the stress of managing everything alone. This balance creates a supportive environment, fostering confidence and a higher quality of life.VA homecare services Promoting Safe IndependenceSafety and independence go hand in hand, and VAhomecareservices prioritize both. Whether its help with mobility, medication reminders, or maintaining a clean living space, these services are designed to ensure veterans can live safely and comfortably.This assistance not only reduces risks but also allows veterans to maintain their sense of autonomy. Families can rest easy knowing their loved ones are supported by professionals who truly care. VA homecare services make independent living a reality.The Benefits of VA homecare services for VeteransVA homecare services are a lifeline for veterans striving to live independently. By offering help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, these services alleviate the burdens of everyday life.More importantly, they enable veterans to maintain their dignity and independence while receiving the support they need. Families also benefit, knowing their loved ones are well cared for in a familiar environment. VA homecare services bring comfort and peace of mind to all involved.Supporting Independence with VA homecare servicesVeterans who wish to age in place often face challenges, but VA homecare services provide a solution. From mobility support to assistance with personal care, these services ensure that veterans can live comfortably in their own homes.This professional care fosters independence and confidence, empowering veterans to lead fulfilling lives. Families, too, feel reassured knowing that their loved ones are safe and supported every step of the way.How VA home care services Enhance Everyday LifeVA homecare services go beyond just providing helpthey enhance the daily lives of veterans. Whether its preparing meals, keeping the home tidy, or offering companionship, these services are tailored to fit each individuals needs.By handling these tasks, caregivers create an environment where veterans can focus on their health and happiness. This support ensures veterans can maintain independence while enjoying the comfort of their own homes.VA homecare services Making Independent Living PossibleIndependent living is a cornerstone of dignity and freedom, and VA homecare services make it possible. Through assistance with daily activities and emotional support, veterans can remain self-reliant in the comfort of their homes.These services not only help with physical needs but also promote a sense of empowerment and confidence. Families can trust that their loved ones are cared for with respect and professionalism.Creating Confidence Through VA homecare servicesConfidence is key to living independently, and VA homecare services help veterans build and maintain it. By offering personalized care that addresses daily challenges, these services empower veterans to take control of their lives.This level of support also eases the burden on families, allowing them to enjoy more meaningful time with their loved ones. VA homecare services provide a foundation for safe, independent living that benefits everyone.VA homecare services Fostering Dignity and IndependenceMaintaining dignity is crucial for veterans, and VA homecare services are designed to foster it. By providing assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, these services enable veterans to live with independence and confidence.The care provided is more than practicalits compassionate, ensuring veterans feel respected and valued. This focus on dignity and independence enhances their overall well-being.Why VA homecare services Matter for VeteransVeterans deserve the chance to live independently, and VA homecare services make that possible. From help with household chores to personalized care, these services create a supportive environment tailored to individual needs.This professional assistance allows veterans to focus on their well-being and enjoy the comfort of their homes. Families also benefit, knowing their loved ones are receiving reliable, compassionate care. VA homecare services truly make a difference in the lives of those who served.Improving Daily Life with VA homecare servicesVA homecare services provide the support veterans need to thrive at home. From managing daily tasks to offering companionship and mobility assistance, these services help create a safe and comfortable living environment.Veterans can maintain their independence while receiving personalized care that meets their unique needs. Families, too, gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for with compassion and respect.How VA home care services Build a Better TomorrowVA homecare services do more than address immediate needsthey lay the foundation for a brighter future. By offering tailored support, these services empower veterans to live confidently and independently in their homes.This care not only reduces stress for veterans but also strengthens the bond with their families, ensuring everyone enjoys a higher quality of life. VA homecare services are a pathway to improved well-being and lasting independence.Living independently is a vital part of maintaining dignity and quality of life, and VA home care services play a key role in making that possible. These services provide veterans with the personalized support they need to thrive in the comfort of their own homes. From daily assistance to companionship, VA home care services create a foundation for safe and fulfilling independent living.At Home Matters Caregiving PAOH, we are proud to serve the veterans of Pittsburgh, PA, with compassionate and professional care tailored to their needs. Let us help your loved ones maintain their independence and enjoy the life they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family with trusted VA home care services.