Counseling, Consulting, and Case Management service
Geriatric Case Management
Case management is an area of specialty practice within the health and human services professions. A board-certified case manager has proven experience and demonstrates the education, skills, knowledge required to offer the appropriate services according to evidence-based and sound principles of practice.
As a nationally board-certified case manager (CCM) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I am specially trained and have extensive experience in care management and the needs of the family unit. A case manager is a private duty advocate who provides guidance for family members who want to ensure their loved one receives the best possible care according to their individual needs. This service is available for those families who do not meet criteria for publicly financed services such as Medicaid and other state and federal programs.
According to AARP, people 65 and older now make up about 16 percent of the U.S. population. By 2060, that share is expected to rise to 23 percent, and the number of seniors is projected to nearly double to 95 million, in part because people are living longer.
The number of caregivers who will need help will also increase. Caring for an older parent while also caring for young families with school aged children can be challenging. A case manager can take some of the pressure off of those families who often have other commitments by assisting with finding caregivers, placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, and making other appropriate referrals.
Sandwich Generation
We are often squeezed between our own children and our parents.
Sometimes we find ourselves trying to have a career, care for our own growing family, and also having to provide care for our aging parents.
Depression in older adults
Depression is more than sadness or a low mood. Depression affects physical, mental, and emotional health. It can be a severe mental health condition. For older adults, depression can affect behavior, memory, relationships with family members, and how they relate to their environment.
Depression in older adults can be triggered by
- Loss of a loved one
- Changes in health or a new diagnosis
- Retirement
- Financial insecurity
- Feeling like a burden
Symptoms of depression in older adults can differ from symptoms of depression during other life stages because sadness may not be the primary factor
- Insomnia or sleeping too much during the day
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation to visit family
- Isolating behaviors
- Confusion or difficulty focusing
- Irritability
Depression can co-occur with other physical diseases which may inhibit the management of the disease and recovery. The illness can make depression much worse and, conversely, the depression may make the illness more severe. Physical illnesses that can cause depression are Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia, or a new terminal diagnosis.
When treating an older adult with depression, it is essential to help them manage any physical illnesses or co-occurring mental illness. It can be helpful to have a therapist visit in the home to provide counseling where they are most comfortable, and to prevent the need for stressful transportation to appointments.
Caregiving is rewarding but stressful
"Caregiver burnout" is a very real condition that is often minimized by media. This is much more than the "self-care" of bubble baths and a glass of wine.
We often jump in as caregivers to provide love and care for our children, our neighbors who are going through difficulties, our siblings, friends, co-workers, etc. But when we are counted on for daily care for our children, loved ones, or our parents we are often over stressed and unable to care for ourselves appropriately which can manifest with physical and emotional symptoms.
Physical signs of burnout include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches or digestive issues
- Aches and pains
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
Emotional and behavioral signs of burn out:
- Neglecting your own health
- Feeling detached from family members
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Not exercising
- Consuming too much alcohol or other substances
- Feeling persistent worry
Family members may have difficulty accepting their loved one's difficult diagnosis or aging process, which may impact family relationships. It is essential to have those difficult conversations so that the entire family unit can understand the needs of your loved one.
Too much stress can harm your health and the emotional and physical demands can impact even the most resilient person, but recognizing the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout is the first step.
Caregivers often benefit from counseling with a licensed therapist. These visits can also be provided in-home or with telehealth.
Taking a break to care for yourself is not a luxury... it is a necessity.
Referrals
A self referral is accepted and there is no doctor’s order required for case management or counseling.
In-home counseling or telehealth
This is a counseling service that is covered by Medicare and provided as a one on one support for treatment of depression, anxiety, relationship or family issues.
Sometimes, older adults have difficulty with technology, and so family members or caregivers can be helpful in setting up sessions and then providing a safe, comfortable, and private space for the client to engage with the therapist.
Resources provided
Provide an in-home or virtual assessment to evaluate current and future needs. Specific referrals will be given for caregiving needs such as hiring a caregiver, or assisting with placement.