By Gina M. Barry
Partner, Bacon Wilson P.C.
As we grow older, life rarely becomes simpler, even when it becomes quieter. Health concerns may require more attention, medications can multiply, and decisions that once felt straightforward may suddenly feel complicated. Many older adults find themselves asking who can help them make sense of everything or how they can stay in control of their life as their needs change.
One valuable but often overlooked resource is an Aging Life Care Professional®, formerly known as a geriatric care manager. These professionals work directly for older adults and their spouses, helping them navigate the practical and emotional realities of aging with dignity, independence and personal choice at the center of every decision.
Experts in elder care
An Aging Life Care Professional® is typically a nurse, social worker, or other licensed professional with specialized training in aging and elder care. They are knowledgeable guides who understand both the healthcare system and the day-to-day challenges of growing older. Their role is not to take over your life, but to help you.
Whole person care
One of the first things an Aging Life Care Professional® does is conduct a comprehensive assessment. This looks beyond medical charts to consider how you are managing physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. They consider your living environment, your support system, and, most importantly, your personal goals. Whether your priority is staying in your home, supporting a spouse, or planning ahead “just in case,” your care plan is built around what matters to you.
Your medical advocate
Many older adults see multiple doctors, take several medications, or manage chronic conditions. An Aging Life Care Professional® can help coordinate care, attend medical appointments if you wish, ask the right questions and ensure that recommendations from different providers make sense together. This kind of support can be especially helpful when medical visits feel rushed or confusing, or when you want another set of trained eyes and ears involved.
Specialized situations
They are also particularly helpful during life transitions, such as recovering after a hospital stay, arranging in-home assistance, or considering a move to assisted living or a continuing care community. These decisions can feel overwhelming, and many people worry about making the “wrong” choice. An Aging Life Care Professional® helps you understand your options clearly, without pressure, and supports decisions that align with your values, preferences and comfort level.
For couples, an Aging Life Care Professional® can be especially valuable when one spouse begins to need more care than the other can comfortably provide. They help balance independence with safety and can step in before caregiving becomes exhausting or unhealthy. Their involvement often allows spouses to focus more on being partners, not just caregivers.
The benefits, and costs
Older adults often describe working with an Aging Life Care Professional® as reassuring and empowering. Knowing that a trained professional understands both the healthcare system and the realities of aging can reduce stress and provide confidence that important decisions are being handled thoughtfully and with respect.
While Aging Life Care Professionals® are typically paid privately, many people find that their involvement helps avoid costly missteps, unnecessary hospitalizations, or rushed decisions made during moments of crisis. More importantly, their support can preserve independence, reduce stress and improve overall quality of life.
Finding an Aging Life Care Professional®
The Aging Life Care Association, a national professional organization for these specialists, offers a searchable directory on their website (www.aginglifecare.org) that allows you to find qualified Aging Life Care Professionals® by location. Members of the association meet education and experience standards and follow a professional code of ethics.
Aging is not about giving up control. It is about adapting wisely. With the right guidance and support, it is possible to navigate later life with clarity, confidence and peace of mind. For many older adults and couples, an Aging Life Care Professional® becomes a trusted ally during one of life’s most important transitions.
Gina M. Barry is a shareholder with the law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C., Attorneys at Law. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Estate Planning Council, and the Western Massachusetts Elder Care Professionals Association. She concentrates her practice in the areas of estate and asset protection planning, probate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and residential real estate. Gina may be reached at (413) 781-0560 or gbarry@baconwilsoncom.