Blog

CM 101: When to Call Your Care Manager

Navigating the journey of aging comes with many challenges and decisions. From new health diagnoses to changes in living arrangements, each step requires careful consideration and support. That’s where care managers, like those at LifeCare Advocates, step in to help. These specialized professionals, who are members of the Aging Life Care Association, are dedicated to delivering holistic care tailored to each client’s needs.

LifeCare Advocates’ care managers look at their role as helping clients feel empowered to age well. There are so many resources out there to help people live fulfilling lives, and we help our clients make the best decisions for their needs and wants. Because May is Aging Life Care Month, it’s a great time to remind readers about the work we do. Here are just a few of the situations in which your care manager can help:

1. Navigating a change
   Transitions can be overwhelming, especially when moving into a senior residence or care facility. Or perhaps you need help transitioning back home after a hospital or nursing home stay. Your care manager can help facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring the process is well-organized, emotionally supportive, and suitable for your specific needs.

2. Discussing a new diagnosis
   A new health diagnosis can be confusing and worrying. Your care manager can provide clarity, offering insights into treatment options, potential lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support. This guidance allows you to make informed decisions confidently.

3. Planning for the future
   Aging is inevitable, and so are the crucial decisions surrounding it. Advance care planning, ensuring legal documents are in order, and choosing suitable living arrangements are important tasks. Our care managers can help you think through these plans comprehensively, balancing your wishes with practical considerations.

4. Reviewing your options
   When it’s time to consider care options, it can be daunting to navigate the variety of choices. If you need help understanding different care types, where you can receive care, and what is covered by insurance and what is paid privately, a care manager provides expert advice to find the most suitable solution and can help coordinate and assist with navigating the many variables.

5. Supporting long-distance family caregivers
   When family caregivers are out of state or unable to be present, a care manager offers essential “boots on the ground” support, ensuring your loved one is visited regularly and their needs are met.

6. Assistance during hospitalization or rehab stays
   Hospitalization or rehab stays often require additional support. Your care manager coordinates with medical teams to facilitate safe discharges and monitors post-hospital recovery plans, ensuring continuity of care. We also accompany our clients and advocate for them if they need to visit the ER.
7. Discussing goals
   Your aspirations and goals remain important, even as circumstances change. Your care manager helps articulate and align your goals with the necessary care plans, ensuring you’re empowered and in control.
8. Preventing or managing isolation
   Isolation is a growing concern among seniors, and it often leads to depression. Our care managers recognize the importance of social engagement and connection, providing resources, activities, and companionship to help alleviate loneliness.

At LifeCare Advocates, our care managers are your partners in achieving the highest quality of life possible while navigating the complexities of aging. They also work closely with other professionals on our team, including physical therapists and nurses, to ensure each client receives exactly the care they need. If you or a loved one could benefit from their expert guidance, contact us today.