An Aging Life Care Manager (ALCM) 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. The expertise of ALCM's can be summarized into these knowledge areas.
Health and Disability. From physical problems to mental health and dementia-related problems, ALCM's interact with the health care system by attending doctor appointments and facilitating communication between doctor, client and family. They help determine types of services – such as home health and hospice – that are right for a client and assist in engaging and monitoring those services.
Financial. Reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with a client's accountant or agent under a power of attorney. ALCM's provide information on Federal and state entitlements, connecting families to local programs when appropriate. They also help clients and families with insurance concerns, claims and applications.
Housing. ALCM's help families and clients evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options.
Families. ALCM's help families adjust, cope and problem-solve around long-distance and in-home caregiving, addressing care concerns, internal conflicts and differences of opinion about long-term care planning.
Local Resources. ALCM's know the specifics of the local resources in their communities and know how those services are accessed.
In addition, ALCM's act as advocates for the client's interests and are a valuable resource when emergencies arise. A care plan, tailored for each individual's situation, is prepared which may be modified as circumstances change. ALCM's are certified by the Aging Life Care Association which maintains a list of ALCM's by zip code at aginglifecare.org.