Approximately 11,000 baby boomers retire every day, with each one of them potentially trying to navigate the information highway about “life after retirement”. This can leave many confused and overwhelmed, if not frustrated. While it is great to have tons of information available, finding an effective process that directly addresses one’s own issues proves to be of more value. Because our lives are unique and different in a lot of aspects, so does our needs, especially as we enter yet another phase of life.

Because we believe that knowledge is potential power, the identification of challenges unique to the aging population remains as one of our top priorities. Guided by our mission of helping people live better lives, we have expanded our service to provide free consultation with certified professionals who demonstrate keen knowledge about elderly care in regard to their health, social, and financial circumstances. Being able to have these important conversations with a trusted advisor help alleviate the fear of the unknown in the next chapter of our lives. However, not everyone is aware of what a CSA does.

What is a Certified Senior Advisor? By definition, a CSA designation allows the holder to professionally consult seniors and refer them to the best plan of action related to their wants and needs going forward. The title offers a basis for their recommendations to be considered more reliable as they are based on information they have learned in their efforts to become a CSA. Further than just personal experience with the elderly, these advisors have taken the time to research all possible factors in senior living to make the best judgements for their clients.

To make it more specific, there are a number of things that a CSA must know if they are to act as one. You may notice that a lot of these intersect with basic caregiving, but this leans towards being a more personal understanding of the elderly so that any advice given to them is done so with all possible variables in mind. For example, it’s important for a CSA to be aware of the financial, health, and social issues that seniors deal with. The ability to stay aware of these and how they influence potential issues in their lives is what will ultimately enable advisors to navigate said problems’ nuance with ease. After all – for example – if someone doesn’t have the money to pay for basic needs or doesn’t have connections to people that are willing to care for them on a day to day basis, it will likely lead to health related issues that can be associated with these absences. 

The certification to become a “specialist in aging” involves passing an official exam and completion of modules that detail roles, rules, responsibilities, and ethics guidelines. This ensures that they are up to date and aware of senior care and solutions to common issues they face. Approximately 2,500 professionals across the USA currently hold a CSA license according to certification’s official records. 

What should you look for from a Certified Senior Advisor? CSAs need to be proficient in communicating with seniors. Seeing as this certification gives them the allowance to screen elderly patients and communicate what they think is the best plan of action for them, knowing how to talk to and understand them is also a must. Another key trait senior advisors must have is empathy, or rather, the ability to recognize what they find to be important. No matter how informed a CSA may be, if they fail to establish that they genuinely care about their client’s desires, their advice won’t be credible. This falls once again into the category of communication and open mindedness.   

Lastly, but equally as vital is, the CSA must have the resources available to develop a care plan for their clients. It’s one thing to come up with a good solution, it’s another to be able to hold the senior’s hand step by step through getting to that solution so they don’t have to worry about possibly being scammed by people who claim to want to help. Having trusted connections and being able to identify an ethical means of finding care is the most pivotal step in enhancing one’s eligibility as a CSA. 

How do you initiate a consultation?

Our process is simple. We set up a convenient time for our clients to meet with our senior advisors. During this meeting, we will identify issues and challenges unique to your family. Your advisor will be able to address concerns revolving around healthcare resources, Senior community living and placement, financial planning, available Federal and State Aids, Veterans benefits, and estate planning to name a few.

As your dedicated partner in your journey, our service also comes free of charge. If you or someone you know is considering a consultation for what will best suit you or a senior in your lives, don’t hesitate to contact Angels Heart Home Care Services. We are here to show you the way.

Written by: Ryshel Constantino

Images from Unsplash.com Contributors:

• John Lockwood
• Jacek Dylag
• Marvin Meyer
• Amy Hirschi
• Society of Certified Senior Advisors
• Tierra Mallorca
• Luis Melendez
• Mike Tolliver
• John Cameron