AGING LIFE CARE
RESOURCES
Understand Aging Life Care™ Acting as guides and advocates for families Aging Life Care / geriatric care management is a holistic, clientcentered 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
Individualized Services for the Elderly and Disabled
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; Continued on page 44
Solving the Care Management Puzzle Our team of dedicated Care Managers are Certified and hold Masters Degrees in Social Work. ServiceS include:
Care Management Counseling/Consultation Services ● Coordination of Services & Care Providers ● Friendly Visitor/Shopping & Delivery Service ● Bill Paying, Claims Services & Entitlements ● Housing, Relocation & Downsizing ● “Plan Now, Care Later” ● Chronic Disease Management ● Pet Therapy ● Aging in Place Specialist ● Home Care Services Coordination ● ●
Phone 703.313.6114 Toll Free 888.313.6114 Serving the entire Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area since 1996 800-394-9990 | positiveagingsourcebook.com
email gcm@geriatricare.net
Stephanie i. Thomopoulos
• Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work • Licensed in MD and VA • Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager Member: • Aging Life Care Association: past –president of Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Aging Life Care Association; 2006-2010; two consecutive terms • National Association of Social Workers • Va. Guardianship Assoc.
www.geriatricare.com Based in Northern Virginia 43
