Rayma Scalzo
The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group is pleased to have Crystal Littlejohn MHSA, CMC, CSA, founder and Geriatric Care Manager for Geriatric Resources, LLC, speak to our group on February 17 at 9:30 a.m. She will define the role of care management and discuss some of the things they can do to help relieve caregiver stress and provide answers and solutions to questions you never thought to ask.
A geriatric care manager, usually a licensed nurse, social worker or specially trained health care professional who specializes in geriatrics, is sort of like a “professional relative” who can help you and your family to identify needs and find ways to meet them. They will work with you to form a short and long-term care plan and find services you need.
Crystal holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Plymouth State University, as well as a Masters degree in Health Services Administration from Strayer University. She has a Care Manager Certified (CMC) credential from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and holds a Certified Assisted Living Facility Manager Certification (CALFM) through the Arizona Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers. Additionally, Crystal has obtained a Certified Senior Advisor designation (CSA) and is an active member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. In 2012, Crystal achieved certification as a Professional Patient Advocate from the Professional Patient Advocate Institute.
During a health care career that spans over 25 years, Crystal has obtained quality experience in the assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice and geriatric care management arenas. Her education, experience and compassion for seniors make her an ideal advocate for this special population.
Following the presentation, our time will be spent with members asking questions or sharing experiences. Our group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out of state.
Respite Care
We may be able to provide free respite care for those having Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease during the caregiver’s meeting. This allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group. If you let us know, we will try to arrange for someone to come to your home during the two-hour meeting. For this assistance, we do ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, February 14.
Monthly Breakfast
The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This gives them an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey is very beneficial.
For the location of the support group meeting or to RSVP for respite care, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].
The world of assisted living can get complicated so it’s well worth checking out all of your available options before committing to a plan. For instance, some families find that older family members would prefer a relative or friend to provide their care.
If your loved one has Medicaid, lives in New York and needs help with day-to-day activities, they may be eligible to apply for a home care aide through FreedomCare. To learn about FreedomCare follow the link provided.