When an aging loved one begins to need more support, families often find themselves navigating medical care, finances, home needs and difficult decisions all at once.

But families do not have to wait until a crisis happens to ask for help.

JFS Richmond’s Care Management team can help families plan ahead and put support in place before challenges become overwhelming.

What Is Care Management?

JFS Care Services Director Frank Fox describes Care Management as:

“A service that helps people with complex health or aging needs live safely and independently within the community or in an assisted living environment.”

Care Managers can help families:

Assess medical, financial, physical and emotional needs
Create a personalized care plan
Coordinate with doctors and other health care providers
Connect with home care and other community services
Communicate with members of a client’s support network
Keep family members informed, especially when loved ones live out of town

Plan Ahead Before a Crisis

JFS Richmond also offers services that allow families to plan ahead and establish support before it is urgently needed.

Through retainer services, clients can:

Complete an initial assessment
Have their information entered into JFS’s electronic medical record system
Receive periodic check-ins to identify changes in their situation
Have a foundation in place if Care Management or Home Care is needed later

Having this information already in place allows JFS to respond more quickly when a client’s needs change.

JFS can also serve as a Power of Attorney or Advance Medical Directive agent for individuals who do not have someone available to take on that role.

In other situations, JFS can serve as a backup when a client’s designated agent is close in age or may not always be able to serve.

Having someone in place can provide peace of mind that a trusted organization is available when it is needed most.

Supporting Families Through Life Changes

Frank has seen firsthand how early support can make a difference.

JFS worked with one client for several years, helping her remain safely in her home with Care Management and Home Care services. As her dementia progressed, however, she eventually needed more support than could be safely provided at home.

After difficult conversations and reassurance, the client agreed to move to an assisted living facility.

Today, she continues to thrive with additional support and opportunities for socialization. JFS also helped with the financial and logistical work involved in preparing her home for sale.

Why Plan Ahead?

Frank encourages families to consider Care Management before they reach a crisis point.

“Proactive planning is always the best time to consider Care Management services,” Frank said. “It is easier to maintain and monitor situations rather than waiting for crisis situations to happen.”

Early intervention can help families:

Prevent or reduce the risk of crises
Reduce stress for family members
Honor a loved one’s wishes
Understand available options
Potentially save money in the long run
Have a plan in place when circumstances change

Planning ahead can also give families greater confidence that someone understands their loved one’s needs and can step in when circumstances change.

Care Management Is Not Just for Older Adults

Care Management isn’t just for older adults, either.

“It’s for anyone who needs assistance with life transitions,” Frank said. “The goal of Care Management is to try and preserve a client’s independence as long as possible.”

For families beginning to notice changes in a loved one, or simply wanting to plan ahead, JFS Richmond can help.

Getting support early gives families the opportunity to understand their options, create a plan and have someone in their corner before a crisis occurs.

Learn More

If you or someone you know could benefit from Care Management, learn more at JFSRichmond.org/care/care-management/ or call (804) 282-5644.