It is hard to believe that May is almost gone, and summer is here. With the COVID-19 pandemic and our lives turned topsy turvy time has gotten away from me. But I would be remiss if I let the month pass without recognizing some unsung heroes working every day to help keep our senior population stay safe. May is National Aging Life Care month. You may not be entirely aware of what they do but they can be a huge help to families and seniors. The Aging Life Care Professional is a health and human services specialist who is a guide, advocate, and resource for families caring for an older relative or disabled adult. The Aging Life Care Professional sits down with families as they face difficult life decisions and help them determine what options they have. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time off work for family caregivers. They have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities. I can give a real-life example from one of our local experts… One of my families was overwhelmed with the process of addressing the sudden cognitive changes he was seeing in his father. I referred him to a local aging life care professional who helped him navigate the doctor visits, financial concerns, and the various living options and ultimately helped him find the best solution for his father’s safety and wellbeing.
Seniors Helping Seniors salutes and celebrates the Aging Life Care Professionals working tirelessly in our community. We rely on their knowledge and expertise to help our clients navigate the sometimes-complex challenges of aging in place at home. Please take a moment to give thanks to the Aging Life Care Professional in your life! If you need a referral to an Aging Life Care Professional, please give us a call at 919-761-5346 or send an email to inhomecarenc@gmail.com.