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older adult,
concerns about
driving safety or
a move to a safer
environment,
says Lynn Breuer,
LMSW, CDP, who
is senior director
of community outreach and
wellness at JFS. In such situ-
ations, a one-time consulta-
tion may be sufficient.
In many cases, outside
help is sought when there is
a crisis — a fall or sudden
illness requires hospitaliza-
tion, and the older adult isn’t
able to return home alone
safely. Tobias says that she
can advise family members
on how to “buy some time
after discharge, maybe at a
rehabilitation facility.”
When there is an urgent
issue, Tobias will meet with
individuals or families quick-
ly in person or on Zoom.
Jewish Family Service has
an ElderCare Solutions of
Michigan service with a 24/7
phone number staffed by
social workers to help with
immediate needs.
Whether their title is geri-
atric care manager, health
care navigator, geriatric
social worker or senior advo-
cate, these trained profes-
sionals help assess an older
individual’s mental and phys-
ical health status and suggest
options for housing and care.
For example, Tobias will rec-
ommend a company that can
make a house safer for senior
adults who want to remain in
their homes.
Sometimes assistance is
needed for daily living, such
as bathing, medications and
meal preparation. Caregivers
or home health care aides are
available through agencies
and from personal referrals;
geriatric care managers can
help with options. Caregiver
agency fees usually start at
$25 per hour or more.
Individuals with dementia
may need special assistance.
Cognitive stimulation ther-
apy or cognitive training
classes at JFS can help indi-
viduals with early or mod-
erate dementia, Gaydayenko
says.
Tobias, who is a certi-
fied dementia practitioner
through the National
Council of Certified
Dementia Practitioners,
points out that there are
different kinds of dementia
and a variety of interven-
tions. “Dementia is a family
disease,” she says, which
impacts more than just one
family member.
Typically, an hourly fee is
charged for geriatric consult-
ing and care management.
According to Breuer, in the
Detroit area, the fee is usu-
ally $110-$175. Long-term
care insurance policies may
cover some costs, although
not all agencies and indi-
vidual practitioners accept
insurance. Some individual
practitioners may charge an
upfront retainer as well as an
hourly fee.
At Jewish Family Service,
their JFS Elder Care
Solutions Department pro-
vides three levels of service:
one-time consultations, com-
prehensive assessments and
ongoing case management
that can include accompany-
ing older adults to medical
appointments. Low-income
individuals are eligible for
some free services and subsi-
dies for additional care. The
hourly rate for those who can
afford the full cost is $110
depending on the specific
assistance provided. JFS also
offers workshops and health
coaching for older adults
to help them manage their
health and support groups
for caregivers.
Tobias provides a free
initial consultation, as do
some other private senior
care managers. Her return
sessions cost $125, but she
will adjust her fees based on
the family’s income level and
need. Tobias also speaks to
groups about aging and care
strategies.
Breuer points out that
some older adults may not
recognize that they need
help. “They think that need-
ing help is a foreign concept
that doesn’t apply to them.
They also fear losing inde-
pendence, although taking
help can help maintain inde-
pendence.”
The overall goal,
Gaydayenko says, is to deter-
mine “How do I keep my
quality of life?”
Senior Care Specialists
Can Ease Life Transitions
RICHARD SAGREDO IZIERUIWJWO/UNSPLASH
How to Choose a
Geriatric Care Manager or
Senior Health Advocate
There are currently no standardized qualifications for
professional senior care managers. Some are members
of the Agency Life Care Association (AgingLifeCare.
org), which provides information about the field and
professional development for practitioners. Breuer, who
is active in this organization, recommends some criteria
for choosing a senior care manager:
• Professional qualifications
• Areas of particular expertise, such as dementia
• After-hours capabilities
• Are they part of a team, preferably multi-disciplinary?
• Length of time in practice
• References
• Family communication policies
The care manager should be “person-centered with
the clinical skills to assess your unique needs and sug-
gest services that can help improve quality of life. They
can empower people to make decisions,” Breuer says.
Make your aging plan while
you are still healthy .
Lynn
Breuer