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

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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.

Aging Life Care Managers
Aging Life Care Managers Can Help

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 experience. Studies 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 ALCM 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) or 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 ALCP 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 ALCP 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.”

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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.

Conclusion

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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This article originally appeared on Pallas Care Blog, and was reposted with permission.

 

About the Author:

Ashlyn Xu, Pallas Care’s USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology summer intern, had the opportunity to learn more about the field of Aging Life Care™. The resources provided by the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA), a nonprofit membership association of Aging Life Care Managers®, helped her to learn how engaging a geriatric care manager can improve the quality of life for older adults.