Care is There Geriatric Care Management is operated by a group of like-minded people whose goal is to provide quality care and access to the necessary resources. Every month, we’re shining the light on the people who make Care is There what it is – a group united by that common goal.
Our August installment of Team Spotlight features Wendy Smith, a Certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager, Aging Life Care™ member and founder of Journeys Senior Solutions. We took a moment to chat with Wendy about her profession and what drives her to continue in this field:
How long have you been working at Care is There?
A little over three years.
What do you do at Care is There?
I am often the first point of contact, answering phone inquires about the services we provide, providing initial consultations either on the phone or in person. If they decide to hire Care is There, I do a complete geriatric care management assessment, develop the care plan and introduce the lifestyle coordinator who will be working with them. From there, I provide oversight and guidance to the lifestyle coordinators. I also work as a lifestyle coordinator for a couple of people.
What is the most satisfying thing about working at Care is There?
Helping people understand the maze that is long-term care, what all of their options are and what their rights are, particularly for those who are in nursing homes and other facilities. Many people have no idea what those rights are, and we have prevented many improper discharges from occurring before our clients were ready to leave. In the reverse, we have educated many as to what their alternative options are, and they realized they didn’t have to stay, that they could go home safely and have the care they needed there.
In addition to working at Care is There, you also run Journeys Senior Solutions, your counseling company. Is it difficult balancing the responsibilities of both companies?
Not really. Some weeks are tricky if crises occur, but most weeks flow smoothly. Journeys is a private practice in the town of Louisa. About half of my practice is in office and half in the person’s home. Many elderly and disabled persons, as well as their caregivers, are unable to get out to an office.
What services do you offer at Journeys Senior Solutions?
Mental health assessments and counseling.
Why did you start Journeys Senior Solutions?
Many years ago, while working in Adult Services for the Department of Social Services, I realized that there weren’t any counselors who provided in-home counseling for the elderly and disabled, though there are plenty who provide that service to families with children. The rate of depression and suicide among the elderly is high, so it became my goal to provide that service, which is what I am doing today.
(You can learn more about Journeys Senior Solutions here)
Read Wendy’s profile at CareisThere.com or meet the entire team on our “Team” page.
For more articles like this, see: News and Events, Team Spotlight.
Do you need help managing the care of an elderly loved one in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, or Staunton Virginia or in Kansas City or Overland Park, Kansas?
Contact us at Care is There Geriatric Care Management for a free consultation: 800.434.1633 or info@careisthere.com. We specialize in geriatric care management, support for independent living, assisted living enhancement and peace of mind for long distance caregivers.
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