Frequently Asked Questions

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An Aging Life Care Professional is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocates for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The Aging Life Care Professional is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to Aging Life Care management, including, but not limited to counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential.  The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Aging Life Care Professionals are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.

Aging Life Care Professionals are members of the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) and differ from Patient Advocates, Senior Advisors, Senior Navigators, and Elder Advocates. ALCA members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and all members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact an Aging Life Care Professional.

You may need an Aging Life Care Professional if the person you are caring for:

• has multiple medical or psychological issues
• is unable to live safely in their current environment
• is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy
• is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation
• has limited or no family support

Or if your family:

• has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about      available services
• is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions
• has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and does not live close by
• is at odds regarding care decisions
• needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia

Aging Life Care services are offered in a variety of settings. Professionals can serve the needs of their clients by providing:

• Personalized and compassionate service — focusing on the individual’s wants and needs.
• Accessibility — care is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Continuity of care – communications are coordinated between family members, doctors      and other professionals, and service providers.
• Cost containment — inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.
• Quality control – Aging Life Care services follow ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.