Caregivers and Older Adults Services
At Jewish Family Services, we provide high-quality services to older adults and their caregivers by providing guidance, support, and education. We aim to strengthen the quality of life for older adults while giving their caregivers more time, peace of mind, and options.
Services to older adults are delivered by professional Case Managers who assist elderly individuals and persons with disabilities in obtaining needed supportive services from community and government agencies. Services are intended to prevent premature and inappropriate institutionalization. Participants maintain or maximize their ability to live independently with an improved quality of life. Safety and security is enhanced by providing linkage to services including mental health care, medical providers, material assistance, and employment resources.
This service assists seniors who stay in their homes with a high quality of life, respect, and dignity. Many of the seniors that receive these services have an annual income at or below the 200% poverty level ($20,000) as defined by the federal government. In this category, a single person’s monthly income is at or below $1,815. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that this group is around 13% of the total population. These numbers are more significant today given the diminished resources in the senior community due to the high rate of unemployment and underemployment in the age group of 50 to 70 years, the loss of extended unemployment benefits, and the reduction in food assistance.
Jewish Family Services will provide customized services tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual and the family in order to address the challenges that our aging seniors are experiencing. We will develop an Individual Services Plan to meet the spectrum of needs expressed by the senior and their caregivers.
Consultations
Initial Consultation
If your aging loved one has recently gone through a difficult transition such as an illness, injury, loss of a spouse, memory impairment, arthritis or other physical limitations, or a recent move to the Columbus area, s/he may not be managing as well as before. Knowing where to start can be an overwhelming task. Our professional staff is available to provide a free consultation, in person or over the phone.
Free of Charge.
Medicare Consultation
Jewish Family Services has been approved by the State of Ohio to provide Medicare counseling and information, and it is the only Jewish communal site in Central Ohio. The designation comes from the Ohio Department of Insurance after several Jewish Family Services staff members recently completed certification training by the state’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP).
We can help you and your loved one manage the complex maze of elderly care. Specifically, we can answer questions about:
- Medicare health coverage for seniors and for people under 65 with disabilities
- Medicare prescription drug plans
- Medicare Advantage Plans (such as HMOs and PPOs)
- Medicare supplemental insurance
- Financial assistance programs for people with limited income
- Long-term care insurance
- Home health care coverage
- Retiree health plan coverage
Free of Charge
Care Coordination
In-Home Assessment
A social worker will visit with you and your aging loved one for a thorough, holistic needs assessment, which will focus on your loved ones’ areas of strength, as well as their ability to care for themselves physically, socially, financially, and psychologically. As a team, we will devise a plan to ensure that your aging loved one is able to live independently with dignity and safety. The assessment is provided in the client’s home whether it is in a private residence, senior apartments, or a skilled nursing facility.
Call for Fees
Case Management
Our Case Managers can attend Care Team meetings at a residential setting and monitor for safety within the home. They are skilled in providing assistance in locating appropriate resources and coordinating services. Case Managers are also able to assist in determining whether your loved one is able to continue to live independently or might need alternative senior housing options.
Call for Fees
Medical Companion
A trip to the doctor, the dentist, or the hospital can be an intimidating experience. Sometimes it helps to have someone along for moral support, transportation, and to help navigate the healthcare system. Our Case Managers can accompany your loved one to medical appointments, take notes, ask questions, and act as an advocate on your behalf.
Call for Fees
Personal Assistance
Jewish Family Services can help with day-to-day tasks such as paying bills, de-cluttering and organizing the home, scheduling appointments, completing applications, managing paperwork, and much more. Our staff will provide assistance in many different ways and will work to fit the individual needs of each client.
Call for Fees
Research
As a community-based service, Jewish Family Services prides itself in giving its consumers a choice. Our professional team will investigate local resources to assist you in coordinating the appropriate care for your aging loved one. By allowing our team to do the research, you have more time, peace of mind, and options for care.
Call for Fees
Counseling and Psychotherapy for Older Adults and Their Caregivers
Counseling and Psychotherapy for Older Adults
Many older adults find it difficult to cope with the emotions that come with the loss and transition they experience as they age. Therapists can offer support, validation, encouragement, and a listening ear. Our therapist will partner with the client to develop specific treatment goals to address the unique needs of each person. Our therapists have an eclectic approach, working within a range of therapeutic models that include supportive counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, reminiscence therapy and problem-solving therapy. All services can be provided where clients live, regardless of whether they live in a private residence, senior housing, or a skilled nursing facility. Clients are also welcome to meet with one of our clinical social workers at our main office at Jewish Family Services for regular sessions.
Counseling, Therapy, and Coaching for Caregivers
Adult children or other family members caring for an aging loved one often feel overwhelmed by their huge responsibilities. Many adult children find themselves stretched between caring for their children and caring for their aging loved ones. Therapists can help caregivers work through their own emotions so that they have the energy and ability to care for their loved ones. Jewish Family Services often can bill private insurance for qualifying individuals.
These services are provided by licensed social workers who offer consultation, friendly volunteer visitors, referrals and linkage, counseling and supportive planning for independent living, and service navigation for caregivers.
Paying for Therapy & Counseling
For those with Medicare Part B, therapy often has no cost or a small co-payment depending on the private insurance coverage. Jewish Family Services is able to bill Medicare and secondary insurance providers directly.
