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Staying Independent at Home

We know that most people want to stay in their own homes as they get older. But what happens when an older adult begins to have trouble maintaining their home or themselves? For older adults who want to stay in their home as long as possible, care managers can play a crucial role in ensuring that seniors are able to maintain their autonomy and continue to live in their own homes. With their extensive knowledge of medical, physical, cognitive, social, and legal challenges of aging, care managers guide their clients in developing care plans that are unique to that person’s needs. They also coordinate with healthcare providers, social services, and community resources to ensure that seniors receive the care they need to stay independent.

One of the primary ways that care managers help seniors stay independent is by identifying services to help seniors with activities of daily living. This can include hiring in-home caregivers to assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other self-care tasks. These services allow seniors to continue living in their own homes and maintain their independence, even if they have difficulty performing these tasks on their own.

Proper nutrition is important at any age, but some seniors struggle to keep their homes stocked with fresh foods that are beneficial for healthy aging. If an older adult can no longer cook for themselves, care managers can arrange for meals to be delivered, develop a nutrition plan, or find in-home assistance with cooking.

Seniors may continue to participate in their communities long after they are able to drive themselves. We know that isolation is detrimental to the health of older people and can cause a downward spiral of declining health. Care managers can help arrange transportation to social opportunities that keep older people connected to their communities.

Care managers also play an important role in helping seniors navigate the healthcare system. They can assist with finding healthcare providers, scheduling appointments, and communicating with healthcare providers about treatment plans. They can also help seniors understand their medications, manage their health conditions, and follow medical recommendations. By providing support and guidance in these areas, care managers help seniors stay informed and proactive about their health, which can help prevent health problems from becoming more serious.

Finally, care managers can assist older adults and their families with financial planning and management. This can include support in managing monthly bills, creating a budget, and navigating government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Through support in these areas, care managers help older adults and their families make informed decisions about their financial future, which can help seniors maintain their independence and financial stability.

Care managers can play a crucial role in helping seniors stay independent. By arranging support with activities of daily living, assistance in navigating the healthcare system, and careful financial planning and management, care managers help seniors maintain their autonomy and continue to live in their own homes while also ensuring that there is no duplication of services. By working with clients and their families to develop a customized care plan, care managers ensure that seniors receive the care and support they need to live a fulfilling and independent life.

Read more about how LifeCare Advocates can help you or a loved one plan for healthy aging at home.