Did you see our Reflector article on Care Management? Check it out below and read more articles in The Reflector on Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s website.
Four Questions for a Care Manager
Lisa Colegrove is Care Management Director at Jewish Family Services (JFS) and oversees the Care Management department. She has worked at JFS for three years and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Geriatric Care Manager. She received her Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and her Certificate in Aging Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health. Her previous work experience includes working with the Better Housing Coalition as a Community Social Worker and William Byrd Community House as a Family Services Social Worker. Her experience in social work, community building and direct services prepared her well for her role at JFS. Lisa has worked with seniors for over 10 years, helping them reach their goal of aging in place. As a care manager, she coordinates care for a variety of clients, including those with chronic diseases and mental illness. Additionally, she provides support to family caregivers.
Care Management by JFS works with clients to help them remain independent and continue to age in place in the comfort of their own home. Each person has an individualized service plan based on a comprehensive assessment performed by professional Care Management staff, which includes nurses, social workers, and geriatric care managers.
Q: What benefits does JFS Care Management help deliver?
A: Care Management by JFS provides services with the utmost care and respect for a person’s wishes. JFS is able to wrap comprehensive services around a person to support remaining in the home, but are also experienced in having the difficult conversations when home is no longer a safe option. The staff is knowledgeable about a variety of residential options and can help clients and caregivers with transition and adjustment if that day comes. In any environment, JFS Care Managers work to promote a person’s best quality of life.
Q: What is unique about JFS Care Management services?
A: JFS works in partnership with a client and their family to coordinate care and services with their current providers or utilizing a broad network of available community partners. JFS incorporates a unique, holistic model providing additional services outside of the Care Management department including personal care services, counseling and a telephone reassurance program. JFS can also serve as Power of Attorney or Guardian. The experienced and dedicated staff can provide another hand to hold and a compassionate voice of advocacy for individuals who may have very few people to rely on.
Q: What does a typical workday look like?
A: There is no such thing as typical work day when it comes to being a Care Manager. Most days start with a “to do” list which ranges from appointments with clients to administrative tasks around the office. Emergencies can always come up; clients can have health or psychiatric crisis which will require immediate attention. Sometimes assisted living facilities may call us and a client that usually gets minimal services will have a health crisis and actually end up needing 24/7 wraparound services. Time is also spent consulting with families or caregivers to help them find services that fit their needs.
Q: Are there any tips or trends that caregivers should watch out for in the fall or winter months?
A: Seasonal Affective Disorder can lead to distress in clients during the fall and winter months. People often are spending more time inside and it can eventually take a toll. When the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier it is easy for a client to become disoriented and it can affect their level of functioning. It can also lead to depressive symptoms and social isolation. The best thing a caregiver can do during this time is be proactive and watch for patterns that may appear. It is important to remember that caregivers may also experience depression and social isolation so it is important they make time for themselves and surround themselves with a good support network.
If you’d like more information about Care Management, please call Lisa Colegrove, LCSW, at 804-282-5644, ext. 254 or email her at [email protected]
