Aging in place IS possible
Are you a family member trying to figure out how to get the best care possible for your loved one? Maybe you are a spouse, adult child, or other relative? Or maybe you are that older adult trying to plan for your own care?
Does your loved one want to remain in their own home, but you don’t know how that can possibly work?
Do you believe you will have to be the one providing all the care because you don’t know how else to do it or worry you can’t afford it?
Does your loved one say they only want you to care for them, but it is impacting you physically, emotionally and mentally?
I have been in your shoes and have also worked with countless families who are committed to making it possible for their loved one to age in place, with dignity and the best care possible.
My name is Wendy Miller. I am credentialed as an Aging Life Care Professional and have more than ten years of experience including managing the care for my mother.
My mother and one of her caregivers
What does an Aging Life Care Professional do?
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Every situation is unique. An Aging Life Care Professional will assess the older adult in their living environment and gather necessary medical, financial, and family information to determine their needs and what resources they currently have available. It is essential that the home environment is also evaluated to minimize risk for the older adult and to make it easier to provide care in the home.
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Meetings with the family caregiver(s) and any other individuals or family members involved to hear their concerns, thoughts, goals and to establish a plan where everyone is on the same page. Meetings can be virtual to accommodate family who don’t live nearby.
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Information and education is provided to family caregivers to empower them in their role and give them caregiving tools to use. An Aging Life Care Professional also connects family caregivers to legal, financial, and experts that my be needed.
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An Aging Life Care Professional is not an in-home caregiving agency with a staff of caregivers. Rather, they help families understand the pros and cons associated with using agencies or hiring privately and help them choose. Depending on what the family decides, assistance is provided in securing the help needed. Ideal schedules/shifts can be created with detailed job responsibilities, help with determining pay rates can be provided and how the care can be managed on an on-going basis is discussed.
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An Aging Life Care Professional can serve as the point person for questions, assistance, status updates and direction for family caregivers, particularly when family does not live nearby,
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If a family member cannot accompany their loved one to a doctor’s appointment, an Aging Life Care Professional can serve as the in-person advocate and keep the family members informed. They can also help arrange for telehealth, medical transportation and medication pickup and management.
What Families Are Saying