In the pandemic world, we are currently living, long-distance caregiving is further complicated by the litigation set in place to protect our most vulnerable population, the elderly. Families and friends cannot see their older adults to know they are well and cared for.
A Certified Care Manager and Aging Life Care Professional® such as those at Careplan Geriatric Care Managers in Cleveland, Ohio are the essential healthcare professional you need, where you need it, when you need it.
A care manager realizes how difficult it is for long-distance families to visit older adult parents during the pandemic. Because it is difficult to travel right now, complicated by the fact that the best a facility may offer an adult child for visitation is a 15-minute window or patio visit behind a plastic shield, an Aging Life Care Manager® is there help. Aging Life Professionals (aka Geriatric Care Managers) will assess, advocate, and provide the support needed to ensure the older adult is getting the care, socialization, and support they need through onsite 1:1 visits.
Essential for Sure!
Licensed social workers are deemed essential and are able to work with the care facilities to ensure they are providing the care that the older adult pays for, expects, and needs.
Local Examples
Careplan has recently received authorization to see clients at a particular assisted living. Careplan is able to visit older adults setting eyes on them. Careplan will also meet with the care team to address any questions or concerns. Professionals at our company have worked for the last 20 years advocating for older adults assuring that facilities are following the Ohio Department of Health rules and regulations. Careplan knows what is expected and what is far-reaching. Careplan visits facilities ensuring resident’s rights are being honored. Careplan can then report back to the family, lawyer, or other outside parties. Careplan is passionate about advocating for clients that are declining due to social isolation brought on by this pandemic. Careplan has written to Congressional Leaders including Congressmen, Senators, District Representatives, and the Ohio Governor.
The Services Provided by An Aging Life Care Manager Makes a Difference
The first visits with our clients were astonishing, the clients could not express themselves since being isolated for 3 months. These clients could not make simple decisions and appeared bewildered. They could not hold a conversation. After seeing these clients now weekly for one month providing psycho-social visits and advocacy, they are now doing better cognitively as evidenced by being able to make decisions, eating better, and having social visits with me outside where we FaceTime with family around the world and locally. Clients are using their brain-power again and they feel like someone cares. We also advocated for physical therapy due to lack of exercise. Advocacy is what Aging Life Care Professionals do best!
How Does an Aging Life Care Manager Care for Long-Distance Loved Ones?
An Aging Life Care Professional is an expert in assessing situations and developing a plan of care to promote wellness. Care Managers such as those that are members of The Aging Life Care Association are dedicated to making certain that an older adult is living life as independently as possible in the least restrictive environment.
In today’s world, it is common for families and friends to be separated by great distances. At some point in the older adult’s life, they will need an advocate to assist and help with navigating. Aging Life Care Managers help make the right decisions at the right time while considering healthcare needs, finances, and lifestyle.
An Aging Life Care Professional Will Help Answer Questions Such As:
- Does the older adult need an Institution versus their home?
- How do I choose a Home Care Agency?
- Who can provide transportation?
- How can I make sure Medications are being taken?
- Would it be beneficial to have the care manager attend Medical Appointments so that family knows what is going on and to ensure the doctor has all the necessary information?
- How do we afford care? What if the older adult outlives their resources? Discuss difficult topics and complex issues
- Make home visits and suggest needed services
- Address emotional concerns
- Make short- and long-term plans
- Evaluate in-home care needs
- Select care personnel
- Coordinate medical services
- Evaluate other living arrangements
- Provide caregiver stress relief
Aging Life Care Professionals are specially trained professionals and can help find resources to make your daily life easier. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the services you need.
Aging Life Care Managers Sort Out Options Helping Long-distance Families To Make The Best Decisions
When it comes to making senior care decisions for a parent or senior loved one, it can be incredibly intimidating. With a range of senior living choices offering everything from apartments to full-time care, in-home caregivers, and rehabilitation, it can be overwhelming for families to research and understand which services their loved one needs – and when they need them.
That’s where Aging Life Care Managers can help. They have extensive training on senior care options and can present a variety of options, helping families choose the living option that works best for their unique situation.
Aging Life Care Managers Are an Unbiased Often Welcomed Addition
ALCM’s are experts in their fields but have no emotional ties or family history to navigate. Their objectivity is valuable when it comes to navigating tough family conversations about the future of a senior loved one.
The older adult client usually appreciates this outsider who has no reason but to provide their professional honest, unbiased recommendations.
There When You Can’t Be
Acting as advocates and guides throughout the entire process Aging Life Care Managers can help families be present at medical appointments, coordinate complex care plans, facilitate hard conversations, and find residential care. ALCMs can be a lifesaver for those challenging with living long distance. To find an Aging Life Care Professional visit https://www.aginglifecare.org/
About the Author:
Bridget Ritossa, LSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Manager and Founder of Careplan Geriatric Care Managers. Bridget developed a wealth of knowledge and resources in the areas of aging due to her 20 years of practice working at two major hospital systems in Cleveland and two of the largest nursing home chains in the country. Her grandmother lived with her while growing up. As a result, this helped develop a genuine love and appreciation for the elderly. Studies have shown that living at home is better for the mental health of seniors because they are happier in a familiar environment where they can live independently. When home is no longer the best option, Bridget will help families to find the most appropriate placement with her extensive experience in long-term care. Above all, Bridget’s goal was to create a company that would provide older adults with the resources and knowledge to successfully age at home. Therefore, creating an individualized care plan is at the very heart of Careplan Geriatric Care Managers.”