A Care Coordinator works in partnership with an older adult to enhance their quality of life and to promote independence.
Meeting a need by delivering a service or resource is not the primary goal. Our purpose is not “taking care” of a client by directing decision-making. Instead, we promote ways that an older adult can maintain authority, control, dignity, and ability to care for themselves. Securing that autonomy often requires putting together a wise and resilient plan.
A Care Coordinator fosters an effective working relationship to identify strengths and existing supports. Those strengths, along with family and community resources, form the foundation for building a plan to meet goals established by the client. A Care Coordinator can provide creative ideas, encouragement, resources and options for meeting those goals. Our approach in assisting an older adult is to focus on strengths and goal setting, not weaknesses or solving a problem today that will reoccur tomorrow.
Once we understand what is important to the individual and identify their strengths, we can provide options for unmet needs. These solutions may include:
- Directing them to resources to help establish a budget
- Encouraging social engagement
- Finding a better health insurance plan
- Applying to assistance programs
- Obtaining equipment for greater home safety
- Providing information on Elder Law specialists
- Discussing paths to improved housing
- Referring to counseling services
- Offering educational support
- Connecting to support groups for building community around a concern
- Enrolling in nutrition programs
- Identifying service providers and funding for home repairs
- Connecting with transportation services
- Offering home care providers
- The list goes on and on
We are here to support older adults by recognizing and building on their individual strengths, enhancing their quality of life and promoting their independence. To learn more about Care Coordination call 989-633-3700 or visit https://seniorservicesmidland.org/care-coordination/.
