Life can be circular in many ways. As children, we need parents and adults to guide us and help us through our daily lives. Then we grow up and learn to take care of ourselves and eventually, others. As people begin to reach their twilight years, they may find that they once again need help to manage their daily lives. That’s where an aging life care manager can offer the help they need.
If you are a compassionate, patient person interested in becoming an aging life care manager, you may wonder how to get started in that career. At CJ & Associates Care Consulting, we have the know-how to help prepare you for your future as an aging life care professional.
What Is an Aging Life Care Manager?
Aging life care managers are professionals — often nurses or social workers — who are specialized in geriatric care to help those in their twilight years, as well as helping their families through various health decisions. An aging life care manager is not the same as a caregiver but rather supervises the care given to the elderly patient and helps to coordinate their plan of care. An aging life care manager will help the family navigate difficult topics, help with health needs as well as emotional needs, make plans and evaluate the needs of the patient, make a plan for living arrangements, and choose caregivers and professionals.
What Is Required To Be an Aging Life Care Manager?
As stated above, aging life care managers often begin as social workers or nurses, so it’s not uncommon to find a care manager who has been through nursing school or has a degree in social work. Psychology is another common degree when it comes to working as an aging life care manager. They do not have to be licensed but should be certified by the Commission for Care Managers, National Academy of Certified Care Managers, or National Association of Social Workers. The Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) also suggests a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a Ph.D. in a relevant field, such as:
- Counseling
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Social Work
What Kind of Person Should an Aging Life Care Manager Be?
There are also certain personality traits that it’s a good idea for an aging life care manager to have. Many personal skills can be honed just like professional knowledge. Here are some of the traits that make a good aging life care manager:
- Knowledge of the healthcare system and government bureaucracy
- Strong communication skills and patience
- A compassionate heart and determined work ethic
- The ability to set healthy and professional boundaries
At CJ & Associates Care Consulting, we are experts when it comes to geriatric care. Our aging life care managers will help families and patients develop a plan of care as well as living situations and evaluation of care. Interested in working with us as a geriatric care manager or learning more about the profession? Contact CJ & Associates Care Consulting today for more information.
