What do Aging Life Care Professionals Do? 8 Things to Know

Most of us don’t know what an Aging Life Care Professional, a Geriatric Care Manager does. That is until we need to know because of a life situation

My Experience with Aging Life Care Professionals

From my perspective, Aging Life Care Professionals/Geriatric Care Managers make the world go round. I’ve seen this from both sides, as a creative arts therapist in the field of eldercare and as a family member of a person living with Lewy body dementia. 

My family member has a Care Manager who is helping our family navigate the complexities of in-home care, hospice, and so much more. She is an ally, trusted advisor, and advocate, offering ideas for best supporting our loved ones during a difficult and stressful time. 

Professionally, I have had the pleasure of working with Care Managers at Sage Eldercare Solutions for almost 11 years, and I am constantly in awe of their wisdom and knowledge. Partnering with Care Managers who value experiences designed to enhance quality of life, like those provided through The Hummingbird Project, has led to better outcomes for our clients, more creative problem-solving, and a better quality of life for countless clients. The best partnerships are formed when a Care Manager collaborates to brainstorm non-pharmacological interventions, creative care solutions, and ongoing support for clients experiencing isolation and loneliness. 

This is Aging Life Care Month:  A Time to Show Gratitude

May is Aging Life Care Month, and we celebrate these amazing professionals who go above and beyond to support older adults every day. Here is an overview of what Aging Life Care Professionals do – and how they can help older adults and their families. 

What is an Aging Life Care Professional?

An Aging Life Care Professional serves as a reliable guide and advocate for families caring for elderly or disabled loved ones. These professionals are highly educated and experienced in various Aging Life Care management fields.  That includes counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and eldercare. They are trusted advisors and fierce advocates. 

These professionals prioritize the client’s independence. However, safety and security issues take precedence. Aging Life Care Professionals are skilled in addressing a range of issues related to their clients’ well-being. They also possess 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). The organization requires accredited members to meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements.

Eight Knowledge Areas Required by the Aging Life Care Association

Aging Life Care Professionals utilize eight knowledge areas in their work. You can learn more by visiting the Aging Life Care Association online, but here is a summary. 

1. Health and Disability. Aging Life Care Professionals attend doctor appointments and facilitate communication between doctor, client, and family. They help determine types of services – such as home health and hospice – that are right for a client and assist in engaging and monitoring those services.
2. Financial. Services may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with a client’s accountant or Power of Attorney. They also help clients and families with insurance concerns, claims, and applications.
3. Housing. Aging Life Care Professionals help families and clients evaluate and select appropriate housing or residential options.
4. Families. They help families adjust, cope, and problem-solve around long-distance and in-home caregiving, addressing care concerns, internal conflicts, and differences of opinion about long-term care planning.
5. Local Resources. Aging Life Care Professionals are knowledgeable about available local resources.
6. Advocacy. They are strong and effective advocates for clients and their families. Aging Life Care Professionals often represent the client’s wishes to healthcare and other providers, ensuring that the client’s needs are being adequately addressed.
7. Legal. Aging Life Care Professionals refer their clients to legal experts, like elder law attorneys, estate planners, and Powers of Attorney. 
8. Crisis Intervention. They offer crisis intervention when needed to ensure adequate care for their clients. They navigate emergency departments, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation stays. This can be a much-needed 24/7 emergency contact for families who live far away from their elderly loved ones.

Aging Life Care Professionals at Sage Eldercare Solutions 

We at The Hummingbird Project partner with Care Managers from organizations across the West Coast. We are also lucky to be part of the Sage Eldercare Solutions family, where we work with in-house Care Managers daily. 

Please watch our video to learn more about Sage Care Management services. In honor of the Care Managers, we work with near and far, Sage Home Care and the team at The Hummingbird Project made this video as an expression of gratitude for the work of all Aging Life Care Professionals. 

Want to Learn More? 

The ALCA website makes it easy to find an Aging Life Care Professional near you. Or you can visit us here for a complimentary consultation with a Care Manager at Sage Eldercare Solutions

About the Author

Kari Rogenski, LMFT, is the director of The Hummingbird Project, an in-person concierge and virtual therapeutic activity program. Kari is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Humanistic Psychology at Saybrook University, where she studies creativity and gerontology. Follow Kari on Linkedin.