By Rose Fabrick, Certified Senior Concierge Care Advisor
We recently attended the Washington Medical Case Management Association (WMCMA) Annual Fall Conference, held at the Lynnwood Convention Center. WMCMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development of professional case management by providing its members with networking and continuing education. It’s a wonderful opportunity for engagement between hospital and clinic RN case managers, and professional resource partners – such as Concierge Care Advisors – who provide services to patients experiencing housing transition (sometimes) as a result of a healthcare issue.
Concierge Care Advisors presented a poster called Failure to Thrive that provided essential information and CEU credits to support case managers in their role. Failure to Thrive refers to progressive functional decline in senior patients caused by chronic concurrent diseases and functional impairment. Manifestations of Failure to Thrive in senior patients are:
- Decreased appetite with weight loss
- Poor nutrition
- Depression
- Lack of socialization and inactivity
- Isolation at home
Memory loss, trouble thinking, trouble with activities of daily living, and increased fall risk may also be present. This is the vulnerable senior population we serve. We meet with seniors and families to assess whether it is safe – and practical – for them to live at home. For those who need to make a life transition, our Care Advisors provide concierge-level planning for senior housing and elder care services.
We at Concierge Care Advisors are an important resource and partner for case managers, who are serving senior patients in need of transition from independent living. We do all the leg work to help seniors and their families navigate the senior living environment, providing families with the right options to make an informed decision regarding the transitional care of their elder loved one. Our focus is always the safest, long term solution for senior living that meets their care needs and financial budget. Our approach with seniors and family, along with communication and team effort with case managers, is key to making a positive difference in the lives of our amazing seniors.
Concierge Care Advisors would like to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the RN case managers for their confidence and trust in allowing us to assist their senior patients and family. You have our continued commitment for compassionate caring for the wonderful seniors we serve.
