The Triple A’s of Geriatric Care Managers:
Assess, Advocate and Assist
by
Lois G. Tager, M.Ed., CSA and Dedra Jize, OT, CSA
At the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law, our Professional Geriatric Care Managers serve the clients of Attorney Roy W. Litherland as well as those who may not require his legal services, but do need the help of a Geriatric Care Manager. We have vast knowledge regarding aging and issues affecting the elderly. Our backgrounds and experiences are varied academically, professionally, and personally which brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. We help seniors and their families in various ways that enable them to make informed decisions with a higher level of confidence as we offer credible sources of contacts, resources and information. We look at the whole person, health, social and psychological, when working with a senior and/or their family.
Assess – We assess the individual, whether they are living at home, other residential settings, or are in a hospital and unsure about discharge plans. We evaluate safety concerns in and around the home, their ability to do tasks (i.e. housekeeping, cooking, bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, and transportation), and their social support system. We evaluate the needs of the individual to help them remain in their home as they age or recuperate after a hospitalization. Will they need therapy, home health, medical equipment, home remodeling (i.e.: grab bars, flooring, and handicap accessibility) or maybe other professional medical services? Through our assessment, recommendations are made and a plan is developed to help a person age at home. We address the importance of socialization and look for ways to enhance it. We help paint a clear picture for the individual and their family as to what the future may look like. Is there a need for change within the home? Is there a need to leave the home; and if so, what type of senior living community is right for the individual? We often visit facilities and talk to the staff as we evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps there is a need for involvement in a senior center or an adult day care program? We help target recommendations and solutions that are tailor-made for the individual, the situation and the need.
Advocate – We are here to help direct your care, in or out of a hospital, so as to be able to achieve your wishes. The medical community has its own preferred system of doing things that may not be in line with your requests. We are here to advocate for you, to help communicate your wishes with the doctors and case workers to achieve both your short and long term needs. We can pass on information from the doctor or other medical personnel to your authorized family and friends to keep them up to date should they live far away or are unable to make a scheduled appointment. We help develop a plan with you and your family and help implement this plan as your advocate.
Assist – We can offer assistance to meet your needs through our wide variety of resources, knowledge and experiences. We can also assist with determining appropriate services to help pay for needed care. There are several options available from reverse mortgages to long term care insurance to government subsidized programs like Medi-Cal. Each one of these has their pros and cons, and we give you the information you need in order to make the best informed decision possible. We also offer assistance with Medi-Cal applications and represent individuals at Medi-Cal meetings so our clients never need to walk into those offices. Of course, we also refer to Roy for any legal advice to enable you to retain a maximum total of assets to benefit your loved one should this be necessary.
It’s a complex world out there and it’s often more complex for seniors. When a parent needs care and assistance, it is often a difficult and confusing time for the whole family. It becomes even more complicated if the person who needs assistance doesn’t agree that assistance is needed. We are here to help by working with everyone to improve the quality of life for the senior and to help maintain their independence as much as possible. With our expertise, we are able to provide professional guidance and to help seniors and family members at any time with multiple resources. We are here to help through difficult transitions. We are your advocates!
To discuss geriatric care management services for you or your loved one,
contact Dedra Jize at (408) 356-9200 or (831) 476-2400, or email her at dedra@attorneyoffice.com.
Learn more about our Geriatric Care Manager:
Dedra Jize, OT, CSA
Geriatric Care Manager Profile
Dedra Jize holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and is a Certified Senior Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager. Dedra has worked as a Caregiver Support Coordinator and Activity Assistant for the Alzheimer’s Activity Center in San Jose, as a Foster Care Provider with Advent Group Ministries, and as an Occupational Therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital. Dedra has also worked as a hospital volunteer at Kaiser Hospital, assisting in patient discharge and helping patients with directions and various needs.
Dedra resides in San Jose with her husband, Nicholas. Together they have raised two wonderful daughters. She enjoys gardening, home decorating, and volunteering at her church.
“What I enjoy the most about my job is when people say, ‘Wow, I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off me.’ Being able to help people who feel they are alone, who feel like they lack critical information, and who don’t know where to turn is very rewarding.”
Slide Share Presentation: Client Appreciation Seminar, Part 1: Mix and Mingle – It’s Not Just for Fun! Programs and Activities for Seniors, presented by Geriatric Care Managers Lois G. Tager and Dedra Jize, November 7, 2015
“Thank you for your incredible wealth of knowledge, integrity and persistence in finally getting my mother-in-law into a great nursing home. I know we never would have been able to place her without your help with her finances, Medi-Cal and finally placing her in a nursing home. I give you the highest referral possible. I am forever in your debt. My mother-in-law is doing well and thriving in her new environment.”
– Lynda C., April 2016
“I want to thank you so much on behalf of our family in helping us to secure Medi-Cal for our mother. It has been a pleasure to work with Dedra!” – Matt M., June 2017
