What Distinguishes an Aging Life Care Manager from Other Geriatric Care Managers?

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ELDER MAZE SOLUTIONS

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

Posted on

Sep 17, 2024

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Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

What Distinguishes an Aging Life Care Manager from Other Geriatric Care Managers?

What is Aging Life Care Management?

Aging Life Care Management, also known as geriatric care management, focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through comprehensive planning and management of care needs. This involves addressing not only health concerns but also financial, legal, and social aspects to ensure the well-being of older adults.

Aging Life Care Professionals or Aging Life Care Managers 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.

Benefits of Aging Life Care Management

Engaging an Aging Life Care Manager can offer numerous benefits:

1. Expertise and Knowledge

Aging Life Care Managers bring specialized knowledge and experience in elder care, ensuring that the client receives the best possible care. They are well-versed in managing conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other chronic illnesses. For example, they can recognize early signs of cognitive decline and coordinate with healthcare providers to manage it effectively. If a family is struggling to manage the needs of a beloved relative with Alzheimer’s? An Aging Life Care Manager can provide a detailed care plan, recommend suitable memory care facilities, and ensure that the parent receives appropriate therapies to slow disease progression.

2. Stress Reduction

By handling complex care tasks and providing emotional support, Aging Life Care Managers reduce the stress and burden on family caregivers. They can step in during emergencies, offering a 24/7 point of contact, which alleviates the constant worry families often experienceStudies have shown that family caregivers often experience high levels of stress, with about 40-70% showing significant symptoms of depression (American Psychological Association). Having professional support can significantly reduce these mental health challenges.

3. Improved Outcomes

An Aging Life Care Manager’s comprehensive approach can lead to better health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for the older adult. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions can prevent hospital readmissions and manage chronic conditions effectively. Research indicates that coordinated care management can reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 20%, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive care management (Finlayson et al.).

4. Efficiency

Aging Life Care Managers streamline care processes, reducing redundancies and ensuring efficient use of resources. They help avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and inappropriate placements, which can save significant costs. For example, an Aging Life Care Manager might identify that a client’s frequent hospital visits are due to medication mismanagement and work to set up a system where medications are properly administered at home, thus reducing the need for hospital care (Yang).

What Distinguishes an Aging Life Care Manager from Other Geriatric Care Managers?

Aging Life Care Professionals are distinguished by their membership in ALCA, which sets them apart through rigorous education, experience, and certification standards. Aging Life Care Professionals must meet stringent education and certification requirements, which include formal higher education in related fields such as gerontology, nursing, or social work, and professional certifications like Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM) . Additionally, they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, ensuring a high level of professionalism and quality care.

 

When to Engage the Services of an Aging Life Care Professional for Yourself or Your Loved One

Knowing when to engage the services of an Aging Life Care Professional can be challenging. Here are some indicators that it might be time to seek help:

  • The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues.
  • They are unable to live safely in their current environment.
  • They are not pleased with current care providers and require advocacy.
  • They are confused about their own financial and/or legal situation.
  • They have limited or no family support.
  • Your family is “burned out” or confused about care solutions.
  • You have limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and/or do not live close by.
  • Your family is at odds regarding care decisions.
  • You need education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.

 

Evaluating Aging Life Care Professionals for Yourself or Your Loved One

When evaluating Aging Life Care Professionals, consider the following:

  • Credentials and Certification: Ensure the Aging Life Care Professional is certified and a member of ALCA.
  • Experience: Look for professionals with substantial experience in geriatric care management.
  • References and Reviews: Seek references from previous clients and read reviews to gauge their reputation and effectiveness.
  • Compatibility: Choose someone who is compatible with your family and understands your specific needs and preferences.
  • Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial; the Aging Life Care Professional should be able to clearly explain care plans and updates.

 

Understanding Aging Life Care Management

Aging Life Care Management is not just about addressing immediate health concerns but also about providing a holistic and proactive approach to care. This includes planning for future needs, advocating for the client within the healthcare system, and supporting the family through emotional and logistical challenges.

“It’s about enhancing the overall quality of life for both the older adult and their family.”


Advice for Planning for Healthy Aging

Planning for healthy aging involves being proactive about your health, finances, and lifestyle choices. Here are some key pieces of advice from ALCA:

  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental health to stay physically and mentally fit.
  • Plan Financially: Save and invest wisely to ensure financial stability in your later years. Consider long-term care insurance and other financial products that can help cover future care needs.
  • Stay Informed: Educate yourself about aging and the resources available to support you. Stay connected with community services and support networks.
  • Be Proactive About Healthcare: Regular health check-ups and screenings can help detect and manage potential health issues early.
  • Build a Support Network: Cultivate strong relationships with family, friends, and community members who can provide support as you age.


Aging Life Care Management is an invaluable resource for families navigating the complexities of elder care. These professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring that older adults receive comprehensive, compassionate care while supporting and relieving the burdens on their families. By understanding and utilizing the services provided by these professionals, families can enhance the quality of life for their loved ones and themselves. For more detailed information and resources, the Aging Life Care Association website is an excellent place to start.

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Signs That An Aging Parent Needs Help

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Local Services By This Author

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!