For better or for worse, society is changing in ways which seriously affect older adults and those who care for them. Americans are living longer, which means that there are more years during which some professional assistance may be needed. The health care and retirement industries are gearing up to respond to this growing demand for services. But while there is an increasing emphasis on meeting the needs of older adults, the needs of their family members are often overlooked. Those who make personal sacrifices for an aging parent or spouse often find that it takes a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll.

Nationwide, a valuable service for older adults and their caregivers is being hailed as a timely source of much-needed support. The success of this new profession, called Geriatric Care Management, is due to several factors: (a) seniors represent an increasingly larger percentage of the population; (b) our culture has become more mobile, often separating older adults from their grown children; (c) products and services for seniors are growing in number and complexity. More and more, older folks and their families can benefit from having a caring, competent professional assess their situation and coordinate the services they need.

Barbara McCampbell created Aging Advocates, a local Care Management company, because she saw a growing need for someone to protect the rights of older adults while making sure that their golden years are as rewarding as possible. She points out that "Seniors can face situations in which they are very vulnerable, especially when they have no children available to help out. My job is to advocate for them and make sure that their needs are met. In a way, I almost become a member of the family."

Care Managers typically offer in-home counseling services as well as evaluations to assess needs and resources. If a family caregiver is involved, the burden for this person is a major consideration. Care Managers can arrange and oversee in-home care, provide information and referrals, or locate an appropriate retirement community and assist with the transition. They are often called upon to help with end-of-life issues or to communicate with family members at a distance. For overworked and overstressed family caregivers, Care Managers can be an essential source of support, giving them the peace of mind to continue their careers, take vacations, and devote time to other family needs.

Since there are no North Carolina licensing requirements for Care Managers, it is important to choose one wisely. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, (520) 881-8008 or www.caremanager.org, accepts members only after reviewing their professional references, resume, degrees and licenses. Members must adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. Another consideration in choosing a Care Manager: those who operate independently of other service providers (such as home health agencies or insurance companies) are able to advocate for their clients without conflicts of interest.

Private Care Management services are not inexpensive, but they may be a bargain when compared to the costs of not using them.

For more information about

Care Management services,

contact Aging Advocates at