}

A Care Manager explores what the client needs are, what their priorities are as well as economic abilities and then develops and implements a care plan based on who in the support system can best accomplish each task. A Care Manager often expands a senior’s support system and helps to arrange for and monitor community services using their unique community connections, experience and expertise to promote independence, health and quality of life for their clients. 

What Is Aging Life Care?

Aging Life Care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time off of work for family caregivers through:

  • Assessment and monitoring
  • Planning and problem-solving
  • Education and advocacy
  • Family caregiver coaching

A Care Manager explores what the client’s needs are, what their priorities are as well as economic abilities and then develops and implements a care plan based on who in the support system can best accomplish each task. A Care Manager often expands a senior’s support system and helps to arrange for and monitor community services using their unique community connections, experience, and expertise to promote independence, health, and quality of life for their clients.

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 individual’s 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.” 

 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

    The expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals can be summarized into eight knowledge areas. Let’s 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 client’s 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 client’s wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring that client’s 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 individual’s circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change.

     

    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 Disabilities
    • Developmental Disabilities, (e.g. Intellectual Disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome)
    • Brain Injury
    • Mental Health Problems
    • Chronic or Serious Illnesses of any type

    Aging 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 issues
    • is unable to live safely in their current environment
    • is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy
    • is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation
    • has limited or no family support

    Or if your family:

    • has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services
    • is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions
    • has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and does not live close by
    • is at odds regarding care decisions
    • needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia

    How We Can Help

    Aging is a complex process that touches many facets.

    An Aging Life Care™ Professional brings knowledge, skills and experience to help you navigate the journey, no matter the challenges you may face.

    Give us a call at 860-459-9360 if you are in need of support in any one of these areas:

    • Health and disability
    • Finances
    • Housing
    • Families
    • Local resources
    • Advocacy 
    • Legal
    • Crisis intervention and prevention

    Health and disability

    While the experience of aging is much more than changes in the body, it is generally concerns over health and disability that bring clients to our door.

    We understand the health care system. Let us facilitate communication with doctors so you get the care you want and the support you deserve. We can match you to the services most suited to your needs with an eye to saving you time and money.

    In addition, we understand the emotional issues that arise—with one’s sense of self and within the family—when a chronic or serious condition comes to the fore. Our experience with many, many clients who have gone through similar situations allows us to give you perspective and a context for the path ahead.

     

    Finances

    Medicare, Medi-gap, Part D, Medicare Advantage… There’s so much to keep track of! And that’s just the insurance side of the picture.

    Let our experience with these and other programs match you with the best services for your budget. We can assist with sorting out deductibles and co-pays and identify potential duplications in services.

    Beyond insurance, are you concerned about a loved one’s ability to manage their money? We can help with that too. From special debit cards and bank accounts, to financial planners and professional bill payers, we can make referrals and propose solutions that maximize dignity and independence while protecting assets.

     

    Housing

    Most older adults prefer to “age in place,” meaning stay in their homes. Who wouldn’t? But family can’t always provide the assistance that is needed. And outside help costs money.

    Let us assess the situation and propose a variety of options based on safety, finances and personal preferences. We know the area resources and can make recommendations tailored to your care needs and family situation.

    Families

    It can be very stressful for families when an older relative needs help. Old rivalries surface and tensions can run high.

    Perhaps one family member is taking on most of the work, and feels resentful that others aren’t helping. Long distance siblings may feel frustrated, judged or pushed aside.

    And then there’s the older adult who may feel disrespected and angry about lack of control or the family’s interference in his or her personal affairs.

    Sound familiar? If your family is in conflict, you are by no means alone! We deal with these sensitive issues all the time.

    Let us help your family find common ground and arrange support so that all concerns are acknowledged and needs are respected.

     

    Local resources

    Who has the nicest caregivers? Which doctors listen best? What hospital has the highest rating?

    One key advantage of working with an Aging Life Care Professional is our intimate knowledge of local service providers, their personalities and their eligibility requirements.

    We get to know our clients deeply and take great pride in our ability to match them to the best resources for their money. A good fit, positive exchanges and smooth transitions make for a better quality of life for everyone.

     

    Advocacy

    Sometimes you just need someone in your corner to be sure that your voice is heard. Whether it’s talking to the doctor, or negotiating with insurance or a care facility, our professionalism and knowledge of the industry allows us to go to bat for you.

    Part of our service includes helping you clarify your wants and desires, your values and priorities. Then we work to be sure that those hired to provide your care do what they can so you get to live according to your wishes.

     

    Legal

    We are not attorneys. But we can help you with simple documents, such as an advance directive. And we can refer you to attorneys and other professionals to help with more complicated needs such as estate planning, facility contracts, or arranging for guardianship.

    Perhaps you have a situation where you need legal testimony about a person’s mental competence, or optimal placement given their health and limitations. We can do assessments and make recommendations, providing expert testimony or written reports for the court.

     

    Crisis intervention and prevention

    No one wants to end up in the emergency room. But sometimes the unexpected happens and decisions need to be made quickly.

    Perhaps there’s been a fall and now a skilled nursing facility is required. We can assist with finding the best fit and arranging for a smooth transfer.

    Maybe the person you care for has a chronic condition that results in frequent dashes to the ER. Let us get you the right support so the disease can be managed pro-actively and problems can be caught before they become an emergency.

    Live far away? Need someone to be your 24/7 emergency contact? We can do that!

    Or maybe you’d just like to take a vacation and you need someone to be vavailable in case something happens while you are gone.

    Give us a call at 860-201-4474. We’d be glad to help.

    Advocacy

    Assessment

    Care Management

    Crisis Intervention

    Caregiver Coaching

    Family Meetings

    Information

    Long-distance Move Management

    Placement

    Referrals

    Travel Coordination and Companionship

    Education

     

    How does ALCA help the elderly maintain their independence and reduce the stress of caregiving?

    What 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 individual’s 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 ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
    • Conduct an in-home needs assessment

    • Conduct evaluations to establish a personalized care plan 

    • Identify obstacles to living independently and safely

    • Screen, arrange, and monitor in-home help and durable medical equipment

    • Review financial, legal, and medical issues, and make referrals where necessary

    • Accompany clients to appointments with physicians, attorney, accountants, etc.

    • Arrange transportation for medical appointments, errands and social activities

    • Facilitate communication between physicians and other healthcare providers

    • Provide crisis intervention services

    • Provide support for responsibilities of home ownership and maintenance

    • Assist with bill paying and monitoring potential fraud

    • Coach family and caregivers

    • Provide crisis intervention services and problem solving

    • Provide support for responsibilities of home ownership and maintenance

    • Liaison with long-distance care-givers

    • Arrange home safety evaluations and provide assistance with home modifications

    • Arrange delivery and installation of durable medical equipment

    • Provide an objective critique of residential care facilities

    • Arrange placement in Senior Care Community (retirement living, independent living community, assisted living community, personal care home or skilled nursing facility)

    • Coordination of downsizing or move to Senior Housing Community (local or long-distance)

    • Ongoing, onsite monitoring of care communities and quality of care

    • Fly-along or driving companionship for relocations to or from Connecticut

     

    Contact us:

    hello@ctdementiahelp.com

    860.201.4474

    30 Peck Road, Building 2, Suite 2102 Torrington, CT 06790

    Still, have some questions? Let’s schedule a time to talk.

    Aging Life Care Member

    Making each day matter.

    A Care Manager explores what the client needs are, what their priorities are as well as economic abilities and then develops and implements a care plan based on who in the support system can best accomplish each task. A Care Manager often expands a senior’s support system and helps to arrange for and monitor community services using their unique community connections, experience and expertise to promote independence, health and quality of life for their clients. 

    What Is Aging Life Care?

    Aging Life Care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time off of work for family caregivers through:

    • Assessment and monitoring
    • Planning and problem-solving
    • Education and advocacy
    • Family caregiver coaching

    A Care Manager explores what the client’s needs are, what their priorities are as well as economic abilities and then develops and implements a care plan based on who in the support system can best accomplish each task. A Care Manager often expands a senior’s support system and helps to arrange for and monitor community services using their unique community connections, experience, and expertise to promote independence, health, and quality of life for their clients.

    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 individual’s 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.” 

     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

      The expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals can be summarized into eight knowledge areas. Let’s 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 client’s 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 client’s wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring that client’s 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 individual’s circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change.

       

      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 Disabilities
      • Developmental Disabilities, (e.g. Intellectual Disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome)
      • Brain Injury
      • Mental Health Problems
      • Chronic or Serious Illnesses of any type

      Aging 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 issues
      • is unable to live safely in their current environment
      • is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy
      • is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation
      • has limited or no family support

      Or if your family:

      • has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services
      • is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions
      • has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and does not live close by
      • is at odds regarding care decisions
      • needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia

      How We Can Help

      Aging is a complex process that touches many facets.

      An Aging Life Care™ Professional brings knowledge, skills and experience to help you navigate the journey, no matter the challenges you may face.

      Give us a call at 860-459-9360 if you are in need of support in any one of these areas:

      • Health and disability
      • Finances
      • Housing
      • Families
      • Local resources
      • Advocacy 
      • Legal
      • Crisis intervention and prevention

      Health and disability

      While the experience of aging is much more than changes in the body, it is generally concerns over health and disability that bring clients to our door.

      We understand the health care system. Let us facilitate communication with doctors so you get the care you want and the support you deserve. We can match you to the services most suited to your needs with an eye to saving you time and money.

      In addition, we understand the emotional issues that arise—with one’s sense of self and within the family—when a chronic or serious condition comes to the fore. Our experience with many, many clients who have gone through similar situations allows us to give you perspective and a context for the path ahead.

       

      Finances

      Medicare, Medi-gap, Part D, Medicare Advantage… There’s so much to keep track of! And that’s just the insurance side of the picture.

      Let our experience with these and other programs match you with the best services for your budget. We can assist with sorting out deductibles and co-pays and identify potential duplications in services.

      Beyond insurance, are you concerned about a loved one’s ability to manage their money? We can help with that too. From special debit cards and bank accounts, to financial planners and professional bill payers, we can make referrals and propose solutions that maximize dignity and independence while protecting assets.

       

      Housing

      Most older adults prefer to “age in place,” meaning stay in their homes. Who wouldn’t? But family can’t always provide the assistance that is needed. And outside help costs money.

      Let us assess the situation and propose a variety of options based on safety, finances and personal preferences. We know the area resources and can make recommendations tailored to your care needs and family situation.

      Families

      It can be very stressful for families when an older relative needs help. Old rivalries surface and tensions can run high.

      Perhaps one family member is taking on most of the work, and feels resentful that others aren’t helping. Long distance siblings may feel frustrated, judged or pushed aside.

      And then there’s the older adult who may feel disrespected and angry about lack of control or the family’s interference in his or her personal affairs.

      Sound familiar? If your family is in conflict, you are by no means alone! We deal with these sensitive issues all the time.

      Let us help your family find common ground and arrange support so that all concerns are acknowledged and needs are respected.

       

      Local resources

      Who has the nicest caregivers? Which doctors listen best? What hospital has the highest rating?

      One key advantage of working with an Aging Life Care Professional is our intimate knowledge of local service providers, their personalities and their eligibility requirements.

      We get to know our clients deeply and take great pride in our ability to match them to the best resources for their money. A good fit, positive exchanges and smooth transitions make for a better quality of life for everyone.

       

      Advocacy

      Sometimes you just need someone in your corner to be sure that your voice is heard. Whether it’s talking to the doctor, or negotiating with insurance or a care facility, our professionalism and knowledge of the industry allows us to go to bat for you.

      Part of our service includes helping you clarify your wants and desires, your values and priorities. Then we work to be sure that those hired to provide your care do what they can so you get to live according to your wishes.

       

      Legal

      We are not attorneys. But we can help you with simple documents, such as an advance directive. And we can refer you to attorneys and other professionals to help with more complicated needs such as estate planning, facility contracts, or arranging for guardianship.

      Perhaps you have a situation where you need legal testimony about a person’s mental competence, or optimal placement given their health and limitations. We can do assessments and make recommendations, providing expert testimony or written reports for the court.

       

      Crisis intervention and prevention

      No one wants to end up in the emergency room. But sometimes the unexpected happens and decisions need to be made quickly.

      Perhaps there’s been a fall and now a skilled nursing facility is required. We can assist with finding the best fit and arranging for a smooth transfer.

      Maybe the person you care for has a chronic condition that results in frequent dashes to the ER. Let us get you the right support so the disease can be managed pro-actively and problems can be caught before they become an emergency.

      Live far away? Need someone to be your 24/7 emergency contact? We can do that!

      Or maybe you’d just like to take a vacation and you need someone to be vavailable in case something happens while you are gone.

      Give us a call at 860-201-4474. We’d be glad to help.

      Advocacy

      Assessment

      Care Management

      Crisis Intervention

      Caregiver Coaching

      Family Meetings

      Information

      Long-distance Move Management

      Placement

      Referrals

      Travel Coordination and Companionship

      Education

       

      How does ALCA help the elderly maintain their independence and reduce the stress of caregiving?

      What 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 individual’s 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 ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
      • Conduct an in-home needs assessment

      • Conduct evaluations to establish a personalized care plan 

      • Identify obstacles to living independently and safely

      • Screen, arrange, and monitor in-home help and durable medical equipment

      • Review financial, legal, and medical issues, and make referrals where necessary

      • Accompany clients to appointments with physicians, attorney, accountants, etc.

      • Arrange transportation for medical appointments, errands and social activities

      • Facilitate communication between physicians and other healthcare providers

      • Provide crisis intervention services

      • Provide support for responsibilities of home ownership and maintenance

      • Assist with bill paying and monitoring potential fraud

      • Coach family and caregivers

      • Provide crisis intervention services and problem solving

      • Provide support for responsibilities of home ownership and maintenance

      • Liaison with long-distance care-givers

      • Arrange home safety evaluations and provide assistance with home modifications

      • Arrange delivery and installation of durable medical equipment

      • Provide an objective critique of residential care facilities

      • Arrange placement in Senior Care Community (retirement living, independent living community, assisted living community, personal care home or skilled nursing facility)

      • Coordination of downsizing or move to Senior Housing Community (local or long-distance)

      • Ongoing, onsite monitoring of care communities and quality of care

      • Fly-along or driving companionship for relocations to or from Connecticut

       

      Contact us:

      hello@ctdementiahelp.com

      860.459.9360

      30 Peck Road, Building 2, Suite 2102 Torrington, CT 06790

      }