Caring With Passion: it’s not just our name, it’s our philosophy. We help put the pieces together, alongside adults with disabilities (including those that come with aging) and their families.
Have questions? I can help.
What am I typically hired to do?
I have scaled back from in-person Services, but am engaged to work in a variety of areas, using those services which are tailored to your unique situation, such as:
Housing: helping families evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options.
Home Care Services: determining the types of Caregiver services that are right for a client, assisting the family to engage and set up ways to monitor those services. I believe strongly in matching the right Caregiver for the Client’s needs and significantly decreasing the turnover with mismatched Care team members, so I may do virtual ‘matches,’ or coach you on ways to ‘pick’ a good match.
Social Activities: providing referrals to opportunities for the client to engage in social, recreation, or cultural activities that enrich his or her quality of life.
Legal: referring to or consulting with an elder law attorney, knowing what services to look for in utilizing legal counsel.
Financial: reviewing situation for cost-effective services; consulting with accountant or client’s Power of Attorney, and recommending additional services, when needed for ethical financial management. My company does not manage or handle financial matters; it is an ethical boundary, and I refer to appropriate financial experts when needed.
Entitlements: providing information on Federal and State entitlements; connecting families to local programs.
Safety & Security: monitoring the client at home; recommending technologies to enhance safety or security; teaching how to observe changes and potential risks for exploitation or abuse.
Long-distance Care: coordinating the care plan of a loved one for families who live at a distance, and referring to Aging Life Care® Managers if needed for in-person services including crisis management. Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.
Virtual Care Monitoring: utilizing the technology available for client’s care to be monitored and engaged in for client’s overall health and well-being. Limiting isolation wherever possible for the client.
Are you a Social Worker? Advocate? Counselor?
The answer is: D - all of the above!
An Aging Life Care® Manager, formerly known as a private Geriatric Care Manager, is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. He or she is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to Aging Life Care®/care management, including, but not limited to gerontology, nursing, social work, or occupational therapy, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.
We assist clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. We are able to explore a broad range of issues related to the well-being of our clients. We also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.
You can think of us as the Coach, and the family or the loved one as the Team Captain - ultimately, you’re calling the shots, but we’re here to advise, mentor, encourage, and add the benefit of our expertise.
Are you Certified? With what body?
Lorraine Cummings is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in three states (California #LCSW 17288, Nebraska MSW# 2187; IMHP# 3160, and Tennessee # 8497). She is also a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager specializing in Aging Life Care® Management. She is a licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California, and has been since 1995. She recently also got licensed in Nebraska by their Dept. of Health and Human Services, and in Tennessee by their Dept. of Health Licensure and Regulation. Her Certification is one of 4 authorized by ALCA, and offered by the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) accreditation for Licensed Social Workers, which she is a member of since 1990, while in graduate school. She is also a member of the Aging Life Care® Association (ALCA) and as such, is required to meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization. All NASW and ALCA members are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.
Do you only work with aging clients?
While the majority of our clients are older adults, I can also assist younger adults who face the challenges of disability or serious illness. I may help adults who have:
Physical disabilities
Developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual disabilities, such as Down’s Syndrome)
Neurodevelopmental Disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder
Brain injury
Mental health diagnoses
Chronic or serious illnesses of any type
I can often help parents who are concerned about a young adult or middle-aged adult child with disabilities, and their care needs when they exceed what caring parents can offer. I have the experience and credentials to work with all ages. I will consult and help the family plan for the current and future needs of their child, and if necessary, connect them to additional resources for their unique needs.
How do I know if I need your help?
When caregiving for an aging or disabled family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to ask for help. If these describe your situation, I could be a very good Advisor for you and your family:
The person you are caring for has limited or no family support other than you!
Your family has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services.
The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues, and they are suddenly overwhelming what had ‘been working’ up until now.
The person you are caring for is unable to live safely in his/her current environment.
Your family is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions.
Your family has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved one’s chronic care needs.
Your family is at odds regarding care decisions.
The person you are caring for is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy.
The person you are caring for is confused about his/her own financial and/or legal situation.
Your family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.
You live at a distance from your loved one, and worry a lot about their current situation.
What is Aging Life Care®?
Aging Life Care® (formerly called “geriatric care management”) is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. We all are ‘aging,’ and this profession specializes in the nuances of life as we age. Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care® Professionals provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Our 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 of work for family caregivers through:
Assessment and monitoring
Planning and problem-solving
Education and advocacy
Family caregiver coaching
Local solutions for long-distance caregiving
Although Lorraine does not do in-person Care Management any longer, her training and skillset may guide you until you decide to hire someone in-person in the client’s area for more direct on-site management.
