Silver Boomerang: Please introduce yourself (can include your current work, community involvement, achievements, how you became a Care manager, etc. Something that will make readers feel that they know you at least a bit).
Tina Cheplick: My name is Tina Cheplick. I am a practicing RN with over 30 years in the field of Gerontology. My experience ranges from Care giving training and supervision, education, community base nursing, and working alongside health advocates and community representatives to promote appropriate and cost effective programs. Some of my experiences have lead me to co-write and provide direct leadership on issues such as caregiver training, home Care, social welfare, and aging in place. Over the past 10 years I have become a leader in care/case management by forming interests in providing Care to the elderly as our health Care policies changed. I am involved with both community and national boards.
Presently I am the principal of Care Solutions for Elders which is a case management and consulting firm. Our specialized staff includes registered nurses who also have been in the field of community Care and also have extensive backgrounds in eldercare. I approach every elder as a unique individual with emphasis on safety allowing nurses to do what they do best…combining compassion and dignity as we assist in health Care management, transitions, loss, and providing advocacy.

Silver Boomerang: How Care Manager can improve the situation for family with aging loved one? Are Care Managers for every situation?
Tina Cheplick: The nuclear family is not what it used to be and older adults must now rely on others for their Care. The need for caregivers who are compassionate and understanding of cultural differences is great. We need to continuously find a balance between caring for elders while adhering to best nursing practices, approaching every elder as a unique individual is our mission.

Silver Boomerang: What to look for when choosing a Care Manager?
Tina Cheplick: Care managers are everywhere and each Care manager provides a different model. A family member searching for a Care manager must be able to connect with the Care manager as they define what it is they think they need. Family members may ask for or think they need one particular thing but end up through the process realizing that they need something entirely different. I also think family members must look for credentials, years in the field so a sense of trust can be established.

Silver Boomerang: Do you see new Obama laws toward seniors and nursing and efficient and sufficient ones? What would you want to address?
Tina Cheplick: Health Care reform is getting a lot of attention. While there is much discussion going on, it has been fairly quiet on eldercare insurance. The Medicare and Medical/Medicaid programs must be reviewed and redefined without jeopardizing the Care of those elders using these programs. New creative ways must be piloted to see if programs can changed effectively. Congress must stay neutral as they learn from such pilot programs and not be swayed by big corporate lobbyists. The training of caregivers, higher career ladder opportunities for bedside Care with higher wages must be part of the home Care package. How we train, review, and provide leadership in understanding our elders must reflect in our nation’s health Care system and ultimately the job itself. Too many times our industry of skilled nursing looses the person while abiding by the structure.

Silver Boomerang: What is the most important among often overlooked benefits of home care?
Tina Cheplick: Most elders will agree staying at home is where they want to be. If the elder can stay there while their Care is managed safely it should be the first option as long as the essential players are in place. Families, case managers, and caregivers must be able to work together for this to occur.

Silver Boomerang: What are signs that should signal family that the aging loved one needs a caregiver?
Tina Cheplick: Usually a slip in any of the activities of daily living. If there is a need to provide supervision, cueing, and/or reminders, families members should know this signals a warning flag.

Silver Boomerang:.What are signs that should signal family that the aging loved one needs to be moved to nursing home?
Tina Cheplick: When the need to have an “awake night staff.” Often with Sundowners caregivers redirection, personal Care or provide behavioral management

Silver Boomerang: Do you recommend social activities for aging at home? If so would you recommend a few?
Tina Cheplick: Social activities are a plus. I am an active community board member for one of our day programs here in northern California. Memory games, such a Scrabble, puzzles, and even word games found in the newspaper can occupy an hour during the day. Getting elders involved with home planning, using calendars, and even some sort of exercise not only are beneficial for health but for overall well being. One of my clients used to knit. It took some time but eventually we got her into knitting again.

Silver Boomerang: What would you recommend as a coping mechanism to those who are caring for advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson?
Tina Cheplick: Support groups in your local county are always a help. In addition families should contact their Area Agencies on Aging for resources. Taking Care of oneself is essential in giving to others.

Silver Boomerang: From what services of volunteers can seniors with families benefit the most?
Tina Cheplick:I think it is important for families to look at what groups have given them support in the past and rely on that source.

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