Understand Aging Life Care™

Author

ELDER MAZE SOLUTIONS

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Elder Maze Solutions

Posted on

Feb 28, 2025

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

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 individual’s 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 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 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 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.

• 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 individual’s 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.

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Elder Maze Solutions

Geriatric Care Management 213 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222

Elder Maze Solutions offers a helping hand to families navigating the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. Our team of experienced professionals provides a comprehensive approach to elder care, ensuring your senior family members receive the care they need while maintaining their independence and dignity. Understanding the Challenges of Elder Care Caring for aging parents or grandparents can be a daunting task. As seniors face health issues, cognitive decline, or require assistance with daily living activities (ADLs), families are often left struggling to find the best course of action. Elder Maze Solutions recognizes these challenges and strives to alleviate the burden on families by providing expert guidance and support. Elder Maze Solutions: Services to Help You Navigate Elder Care Elder Maze Solutions offers a wide range of services designed to meet the specific needs of your loved one. Here's a closer look at some of their core offerings: Geriatric Care Assessments: A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified geriatric care manager (GCM) to assess your loved one's physical, cognitive, and functional abilities. This assessment helps identify areas where your senior might need assistance and forms the foundation for creating a personalized care plan. Care Coordination and Management: Elder Maze Solutions serves as a central point of contact for all your loved one's care needs. They work with doctors, specialists, therapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and seamless care experience. This reduces stress for families and ensures that your senior receives the right care at the right time. Dementia Care Management: Elder Maze Solutions specializes in providing compassionate and qualified care for seniors with dementia. Their GCMs have extensive experience in managing the unique challenges associated with dementia, such as memory loss, behavioral changes, and safety concerns. They can help families develop a care plan that promotes safety, dignity, and quality of life for their loved ones with dementia. Healthcare Power of Attorney: Elder Maze Solutions can assist you with navigating the legal aspects of healthcare decision-making for your loved one. They can help you understand the importance of a healthcare power of attorney and guide you through the process of appointing someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Long-Term Care Planning: Elder Maze Solutions can help you explore various long-term care options, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and in-home care. They can provide you with information on costs, quality of care, and resources to help you make informed decisions about your loved one's future care needs. Advocacy and Support: Elder Maze Solutions serves as your advocate, ensuring that your loved one's voice is heard and their rights are protected. They can help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, communicate effectively with medical professionals, and access available resources and benefits. The Elder Maze Solutions Difference Elder Maze Solutions goes beyond simply providing services. They are committed to building trusting relationships with families and their loved ones. Their GCMs take the time to understand your unique situation, concerns, and goals. They provide personalized care plans that are flexible and adaptable to your loved one's changing needs. Benefits:* Reduced stress and burden on families* Improved quality of life for seniors* Increased peace of mind for families* Cost savings through proactive care planning* Personalized care plans tailored to individual needsWith Elder Maze Solutions by your side, you can feel confident that your elderly family members are receiving the care they deserve while maintaining their independence and quality of life. Let us help you navigate the journey of elder care with peace of mind. Give us a call today!