Finding comprehensive elder care for a loved one is an overwhelming task. You’re learning new terminology, having hard conversations, and asking questions to understand it all.
You wonder if it’s even possible to entrust the care of your aging mother or father to complete strangers. However, you may be wondering, “Who is responsible for taking care of elderly parents?”
Caregiving is a full-time vocation, but taking on the responsibility as a family member can confuse your role of son or daughter with “caretaker.” Trusting someone to care for your loved one is a leap of faith. When choosing in-home care, find an agency that integrates certified care managers into its care team, providing guidance, oversight, and training for caregivers. An integrated care team gives you confidence in the care your aging parent is receiving, so you can resume your relationship as a son or daughter, rather than that of a “caretaker.”
In this article, we explain some of the certifications and organizations you’ve likely come across in your search for elder care professionals. Learn how Stowell Associates goes above and beyond home care requirements by affiliating with the Aging Life Care Association®, formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Management.
What is the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Management?
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Management (NAPGCM) was formed in 1985 by a group of visionary women in New York. The association began with a mission to provide the highest quality elder care to older adults, those with disabilities, and their families.
Each member became a role model for excellent, holistic, people-centered elder care.
Eventually, as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Management grew, the brand evolved with it. In 2014, NAPGCM invested in brand strategy and research to evaluate its current brand positioning.
Through the rebranding process, NAPGCM discovered that its target market (baby boomers) wouldn’t associate themselves with the term “geriatric.”
Hence, a new brand name emerged.
Aging Life Care Association®
In 2015, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Management rebranded to “Aging Life Care Association®” (ALCA), coining the term “Aging Life Care™” with it.
Today, ALCA members have a variety of professional titles:
- Aging Life Care Specialist®
- Aging Life Care Professionals®
- Aging Life Care Manager®
- The Experts in Aging Well®
The Aging Life Care Association is not a certifying organization, meaning a member can’t technically be a “certified Aging Life Care Manager.” However, ALCA holds its members to rigorous care standards.
Advanced Professional ALCA Requirements
Advanced Professional Level members of ALCA are required to hold one of the following recognized certifications by three certifying bodies:
- *Care Manager Certified (CMC) by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM).
- Certified Case Manager (CCM) by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).
- Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
- Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
*Due to the association’s rebrand, a “geriatric care manager certification” falls under the CMC certification by NACCM to avoid using the term “geriatric.”
In addition to obtaining one of these official certifications, an Advanced Professional Level member of ALCA must have (1) a formal education and (2) established, supervised industry experience.
At Stowell Associates, our professional care managers are members of ALCA and Advanced Professionals within ALCA.
“The founders of Stowell Associates were true trailblazers for professional care management and were among the founders of the Aging Life Care Association®. Stowell’s ALCA affiliated care managers are qualified to provide a person-centered, holistic approach to every senior’s unique situation and needs, giving peace of mind to clients and their families.”
-Kari Klatt., Midwest Chapter President of ALCA & Regional Director of Stowell Associates
What is Aging Life Care™?
The Aging Life Care Association® understands that in-home care for the elderly involves more than geriatric health care alone. Elder care professionals also assume the roles of support system and care guide for the families of aging loved ones.
ALCA has identified eight areas of knowledge that Aging Life Care Professionals are experts in, enabling them to take a holistic approach to elder care management.
ALCA 8 Knowledge Areas
- Health and disability (e.g., home health, hospice, doctor appointments).
- Finances (e.g., federal and state entitlements, local programs, insurance claims).
- Housing and relocation (e.g., evaluate current and appropriate living situations).
- Families (e.g., coping, problem-solving, conflict management, care planning).
- Local resources (e.g., community access to relevant services).
- Advocacy (e.g., promoting proper elder care, family support).
- Legal (e.g., elder law attorneys, estate planning).
- Crisis intervention (e.g., hospitalization, rehabilitation).
Stowell Associates’ care managers are well-versed in these eight knowledge areas and use them to provide life management for elderly and disabled adults.
Beyond Home Care for Aging Adults and Their Families
As Aging Life Care Professionals, Stowell Associates is committed to ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Not only do we provide in-home care for older and disabled adults, but we support their families through two-layers of care: professional caregivers and care managers.
Whole-Person Care
Stowell Associates’ care managers create and oversee Whole-Person Care plans for elderly adults that in-home caregivers follow.
- In-home caregivers provide personal care to older adults, enabling them to age safely at home. Our dedicated caregivers also create meaningful connections with seniors, providing the companionship that older adults need as they age.
- Care managers are highly educated, experienced elder care professionals. Our qualified care managers understand the complexities and challenges of aging, such as family dynamics, crises, and in-home care.
Here are ten ways a Stowell Associates’ Aging Life Care Specialist can holistically assist elderly individuals and their families:
- Housing, Transitional Care & Relocation Services
- Home Care Services
- Medical Care & Coordination Management
- Communication
- Social Activities
- Legal
- Financial
- Entitlements
- Safety and Security
- Resources
We hold our Care Team to the highest standards, ensuring your family receives a premium home care experience. If you’re interested in learning more about our dedication to caring for elderly adults and their families, contact Stowell Associates by calling one of our four locations in Wisconsin:
- Milwaukee: 414-963-2600
- Kenosha: 262-287-0805
- Racine: 262-880-5864
- Waukesha: 262-521-3016
