What is an Aging Life Care Manager?

Have you heard of Aging Life Care Managers? We are often called the “best-kept secret” in aging care, but that is changing for the better. More people are learning how Aging Life Care Managers can help older adults - particularly those with cognitive impairment. 

Aging Life Care Managers are health and human services professionals with expertise in aging. We recognize 8 domains of knowledge including health/disability, financial, housing, local resources, advocacy, legal, family support, and crisis intervention. We use this knowledge to provide a holistic and person-centered approach to care which means how we help individuals and families is as diverse as the people themselves - and may change over time as the needs change. 

What does this look like in a practical sense?

Assessment and Planning
Aging Life Care Managers can visit people at home, conduct comprehensive assessments, and provide recommendations on a wide variety of concerns to help people solve “right now” problems as well as plan for the future. For us, assessment is an ongoing process because people, circumstances, and plans change over time.

Care Coordination
Aging Life Care Managers can help people build care teams, making referrals to the best medical providers, legal and financial professionals, facilities, and service providers for you. Care coordination may be as high level as providing you with suggestions or as hands-on as escorting someone to a medical appointment. Our Code of Ethics prohibits us from taking any kind of compensation from people or organizations we refer you to, so you can be confident that our recommendations are unbiased.

Consultation
Aging Life Care Managers can help you navigate the plethora of challenges families face such as aging in place vs. a move to senior living, safe driving, managing challenging behaviors - you name it! We have seen and helped families find solutions for just about anything. We are expert problem solvers!

Advocacy
Aging Life Care Managers want a deep understanding of what our clients and families value so we can be effective advocates for their needs and preferences. Whether you are in the hospital, trying to navigate health or long-term care insurance benefits, or struggling with a medical or service provider, we are always in “advocate mode”!

Crisis Intervention
When a crisis strikes, having an Aging Life Care Manager by your side makes all the difference. We know how to navigate the system, and will ensure you have high-quality information to make informed decisions for yourself and your loved one. We will guide you expertly through the chaos, you don’t have to do it alone.

Finding an Aging Life Care Manager is easy!  Go to www.aginglifecare.org and do a zip code search. You will find highly qualified experts all over the US and Canada.

Author 

Heather Suri, BSN RN CMC, Care Manager & CEO, Pathways in Aging

Heather Suri is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in community-based nursing. Her work experience in skilled nursing facilities, home health, home care, outpatient settings, and hospice have prepared her for helping families navigate the options and resources for aging well and managing healthcare crises. She founded Pathways in Aging at the end of 2017. Heather has strong clinical assessment skills and loves a challenge! She has a strong interest in working with medically and psychiatrically complex clients. She specializes in working with individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Heather has served on the board of the Aging Life Care Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter since 2020. She was elected President of the Chapter in 2021 and served for 3 years.  She remains on the board as a Past President. She is a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corp in Loudoun County.

Heather is married and lives in Loudoun County, Virginia with her 4 children and 2 cats. In her free time, she can be found curled up with a book and a cup of strong coffee.