Latest news with #LifeCare
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Virginia Tech Study Finds Aging Life Care Managers® Deliver Critical Support, Trust, and Peace of Mind to Families Navigating Aging and Caregiving
TUCSON, Ariz., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent national study by researchers at Virginia Tech confirms the significant impact Aging Life Care Managers® have on families and older adults facing the challenges of aging and caregiving. The study highlights the essential role these professionals play in improving care quality, easing emotional burdens, and providing clarity during times of uncertainty. Aging Life Care Managers are trained experts in aging, disability, and care coordination. They offer comprehensive support to families managing complex health conditions, navigating transitions, and coordinating services, while also serving as compassionate advocates and trusted partners in care. Study Highlights Profound Impact on Families and Individuals The two-phase research project, led by Dr. E. C. Shealy, Dr. P. B. Teaster, Dr. L. Sands, and Dr. J. Gray, involved in-depth interviews and a nationwide survey of current and former clients of Aging Life Care Managers. Findings reveal an overwhelmingly positive experience among families: 99% would recommend an Aging Life Care Manager 97% felt gratitude for the support received 93% said the value of the service outweighed the cost Respondents frequently described their Aging Life Care Managers as "lifelines," especially in emergencies or when navigating complex family dynamics. Long-distance caregivers, in particular, expressed relief at having a knowledgeable, local expert they could trust. A Model of Ethical, Compassionate Care The study emphasized the ethical and person-centered foundation of the Aging Life Care™ model. Nearly all respondents affirmed their Aging Life Care Manager's professionalism, confidentiality, and advocacy: 97% said Aging Life Care Managers helped mediate family dynamics 96% noted strong knowledge of local providers 95% confirmed their privacy was protected 94% credited their Aging Life Care Manager with supporting balanced decision-making "Aging Life Care Managers are not just professionals, they are partners, deeply committed to honoring the values and dignity of each client," said Pamela Teaster, Ph.D., professor and director of the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology. Emotional and Practical Support Through Every Stage In addition to managing logistics, Aging Life Care Managers were praised for their emotional support and compassionate presence: 95% said their Aging Life Care Manager understood emotional challenges 91% found them responsive in crises 87% received help with care transitions Families also reported a significant improvement in quality of life for both clients and themselves: 97% reported feeling peace of mind 92% affirmed their future needs were anticipated 87% said the client was able to "live well" despite their challenges 82% experienced reduced isolation Client Testimonials Underscore Value Comments from survey participants highlighted the personal and lasting impact of their Aging Life Care Managers: "She's an extension of me.""It's worth every cent.""Even after her passing, the Aging Life Care Manager arranged a celebration." A Call to Action for Families Nationwide The findings affirm what many families have long known: Aging Life Care Managers offer critical support during some of life's most difficult times. Their unique blend of clinical knowledge, ethical practice, and emotional insight makes them essential partners in navigating aging, illness, and end-of-life care. For those caring for aging loved ones or planning ahead, the Aging Life Care Association offers a nationwide directory of qualified professionals. Visit to learn more. About the Study The study, commissioned by the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA), surveyed members of the Aging Life Care Association and their clients. An Examination of the Aging Life Care Association: Part Two – Qualitative Client Interviews and Client Survey was presented at the Aging Life Care Association's 41st Annual Conference in Boston, MA. Findings will be presented at the Gerontological Society of America Scientific Meeting in November 2025. A summary of the study's findings can be found on the Aging Life Care Association's blog. About the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) The Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) was formed in 1985 to advance dignified, coordinated care for older adults in the United States. With nearly 2,000 members nationwide, Aging Life Care Professionals® have cared for about two million older adults over its history. ALCA Members are distinguished from others practicing care management as they must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements and adhere to Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Members may be trained in several fields including, but not limited to, counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. For more information or to access a directory of Aging Life Care Professionals, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aging Life Care Association
Edinburgh Reporter
25-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
LifeCare launch fundraising appeal – everyone welcome at information morning
The LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street has been a vital part of the local community for fifty years since opening as Stockbridge House in 1975. Originally it was a day centre for older people, but it has evolved into a fully accessible, intergenerational community hub for everyone. A popular big, bright and beautiful space, the hub hosts more than 80 different weekly activities and welcomes over 47,000 visits a year from people who live in the city. Run by local charity LifeCare Edinburgh, the organisation ensures all its services are affordable, or offered for free, so that everyone gets the chance to take part in community activities which help to keep them connected and support their health and wellbeing. However, with continuing rising energy, staff and insurance costs the charity is bracing itself for an anticipated 30% increase in overall running costs this year creating a shortfall of around £30,000 this year alone. The charity is launching an urgent appeal to help cover this shortfall and help sustain its hub and support for those that need it most. Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: 'The LifeCare hub is a really important place for local people. We are very proud of the support we offer and the accessible spaces we make available for everyone in our community. In an increasingly isolated world, where would people go if we didn't exist? 'We want to be here for years to come, but we need support. No donation is too small, if we received £1 each time a person visited, we'd cover our shortfall and help sustain our future. Please give what you can.' Lynne Herbert provides LifeCare's free hairdressing for unpaid carers and runs her own yoga classes from the hub on a Monday and Thursday. Lynne said: 'The LifeCare Hub is such an amazing place. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and full of joy. It's there for everyone, young to old and the combination of everyone interacting together is just priceless' LifeCare works alongside a dedicated group of volunteers who generously give their time to ensure the smooth running and a friendly greeting for visitors. Shirley Galbraith is often one of the first people that visitors meet when they enter the hub. Shirley said: 'I feel that I am making a small difference to some peoples' day by just chatting or helping them see what classes or services they could use. It makes me feel great! People should support the hub appeal to make sure that these services can continue – it is such a fantastic charity. The best thing is the variety of amazing services and classes that are offered. Supporting this appeal will ensure they are there for years to come!' The charity is running an information morning from the LifeCare Hub on Monday 2 June 10am-1pm. Go along to find out more and chat about how to get involved. Everyone is welcome at LifeCare's Community BBQ on Friday 20 June from noon-4pm – with free food, bouncy castle and a whole range of activities for local people of all ages. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
£32,000 raised for charity that acts as a lifeline for local people
Leonardo employees in Edinburgh have visited LifeCare in Stockbridge, to hand over a cheque for £32,000 to celebrate the conclusion of a three-year partnership with the charity, which helps older people across Edinburgh area to thrive. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The charity was chosen by Leonardo employees in 2022, when they were asked to vote for their preferred charity which would become the focus for their fundraising efforts for the following three years. For over 80 years, LifeCare has provided support for older people by taking a person-centred approach to care. The charity gives local people the resources they need to thrive at home and in the community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes social events at their community hub based in Stockbridge and their day club in Portobello, as well as household help, meals on wheels and a care and companionship programme. While the activities come in many diverse forms, they are all aligned towards fighting the isolation and loneliness experienced by some older people living in Edinburgh. For over 80 years, LifeCare has provided support for older people by taking a person-centred approach to care. Amongst the employees with personal connections to the charity is John MacKay, whose wife works at LifeCare. John said: 'Both myself and my wife Julie would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who helped with Leonardo's fundraising for LifeCare over the last 3 years. We were just coming through the Covid pandemic when LifeCare's tenure started, and there was a long period of returning to normal in the aftermath. So, to raise £32,000 over the 3-year tenure is a fantastic achievement! That's close to £1,000 a month which is amazing. It has been a great help in supporting the services that LifeCare provide to older people in our community.' Over the course of the partnership, employees gained an increasing awareness of the challenges and setbacks faced by members of the community, through their participation in events where they have spoken to those receiving their support. Mark Stead, Leonardo SVP for the Edinburgh site, said: 'Everyone at Leonardo in Edinburgh has been both proud and humbled to play even a small part in raising money and volunteering in support of the great work LifeCare performs within our local community here in Edinburgh. I have had the privilege to visit on a few occasions myself, to witness the work LifeCare's dedicated staff and volunteers deliver for their clients in the area, which is both vital and hugely valued. Our three years of direct support will be remembered fondly by our people and has fostered a strong bond with the charity, which I am sure will persist for a long time to come.'
