May 23, 2023 | Aging Life Care
When it comes to our health and well-being, we all want the best possible care. That may be especially true when it comes to finding care for our elderly loved ones or adults who are living with a disability. Their life circumstances may make them more vulnerable to organizations or people who do not have the best qualifications to provide care or care management.
We at Windward Life Care are proud that our care managers are Aging Life Care™ Professionals, which means they are members of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). ALCA is a national association whose members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements. Members are also required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.
Aging Life Care Professionals® have expertise in eight knowledge areas: health and disability; financial; housing; families; local resources; advocacy; legal; and crisis intervention. We use our expertise and experience to guide families in decision making in all of these areas. It’s a wholistic approach that considers all the needs of the individual and helps them find what’s right for them.
Questions to ask
Some agencies and individuals who are not affiliated with ALCA provide care management services. For example, some offer home care services and provide care management at no additional cost. You should ask those providers the following questions:
- Do their care managers provide oversight of and support for the caregivers to ensure the client gets the care and services they need?
- Can the care manager refer their clients to other respected professionals, such as financial advisors and elder law attorneys—without benefiting personally from the referral?
- Will the care manager be available in an emergency (for example, to accompany the client to the ER and advocate for their needs and wishes)? Will they work with the client’s healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition back home?
- Is the care manager trained and experienced in noticing early signs of problems relating to medical conditions, mental health issues, etc.?
- What qualifications or experience does the care manager have? Are they RNs, social workers, etc.?
- Can the care manager help the client plan for a move to a community, if needed, and help them choose the best place for their needs? Will the care manager be able to manage the move and the transition of care?
These are just a few of the questions whose answers set Aging Life Care Managers apart from agencies or individuals that add the “care management” term to their list of services but don’t have the depth of experience that ALCA members have.
When you want that experience, professionalism, and continuity of care, Aging Life Care Professionals are the best choice. Explore our website to learn more. And get in touch—we’d be happy to answer any questions.