Geriatric care planning and support is being offered to seniors in Cherry Hill and their caregivers by Senior Citizens United Community Services of Audubon, according to CEO Stephen Considine.
Considine said the program is designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors, encourage their independence and provide a safe, supportive living environment by offering experienced care managers who will evaluate a senior’s needs and create a care plan to meet those needs, assist in coordinating services and monitor care deliver, if needed. Benefit and budget counseling is also available.
“As a non-profit agency serving area seniors since 1979, SCUCS is well aware of the need for an affordable comprehensive care planning service,” Susan Romano, SCUCS executive director and supervisor of the program said.
The service is available to assist seniors in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties.
She noted that seniors and their caregivers are often overwhelmed and confused by the various options and programs that can help a senior retain their independence.
The SCUCS program offers a home assessment that includes a physical and psychosocial evaluation, a financial review to determine eligibility for county/state supportive services and/or ability to pay for private services. A Home Safety Evaluation is also conducted.
Based upon the findings, a care plan is developed for each client, Romano said.
Follow up services such as budget counseling and assistance with entitlements, care plan coordination and implementation and monthly case management is also available.
SCUCS has significant experience in the area of case management, providing this service to hundreds of Global Options participants in the past few years under a contract with Medicaid.
“We feel this service is much needed by the non-Medicaid population,” Romano said. “Our geriatric care planning and support program can help seniors and their caregivers by providing them with information and assistance in developing a blueprint for now and the future.”
For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact SCUCS at 456–1121 and ask for the geriatric care management program.
