WESTPORT, Conn., March 20, 2006
LifeCare ®, Inc.,a longtime pioneer in creating services that help people better manage their
complex lives, has achieved a major milestone in the aging/caregiving arena: the company now delivers its Successful AgingSM
Services to more than a half-million individuals via health plans, governmental agencies, unions and corporate benefits programs.
LifeCare's Successful Aging Services help middle-aged individuals and seniors resolve the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues,
including:
adult caregiving needs -- day-to-day needs, complex long-term situations, in-home and post-hospital assessments, ongoing care coordination, etc
cognitive health issues -- mental function, emotional wellbeing, preventive measures
legal matters -- wills, estates, document preparation, etcfinancial issues -- credit and debt, investing, personal finances, etc
pre- and post-retirement planning needs -- personalized financial planning, ongoing work opportunities, volunteerism, staying healthy and productive, etc.
"We're absolutely delighted to be reaching such a wide audience with our Successful Aging Services," said LifeCare CEO, Peter G. Burki. "Mid-life and aging-related services have never been more necessary. Roughly half of the nation's workforce is already age 40 or older, and baby boomers are now turning 60 at the rate of 8,000 per day. Clearly, any organization that wants to remain competitive, hire the best people, or attract and retain the best members or customer base will have to address the needs of people in mid-life and beyond. Our Successful Aging Services help them do exactly that in the most convenient, cost-effective way."
Burki says the suite of innovative services is the perfect single-source solution for public and private sector employers, health plans, insurance providers and financial services firms among others.
LifeCare's Successful Aging Services give individuals 24/7 access to a professionally staffed call center, a content-rich web site and a telephonic coaching staff, all of which have been created specifically to address the specialized needs of people as they age. For example, individuals can conduct an in-depth assessment of their evolving health needs and life goals with the help of a highly skilled life coach. This assessment begins with a telephone conversation in which the coach asks a series of about 40 questions that encompass and measure various dimensions of wellness (e.g., physical, cognitive, financial, legal, nutritional, emotional, relationship and many others). Following the assessment, an individual's answers are scored and a summary report is provided that outlines areas of the person's life that are in balance along with areas of opportunity for improvement. The individual then engages in up to three one-hour sessions with a wellness coach, who helps develop a personal action plan for improving health and lifestyle choices.
Improving the Lives of Caregivers
Another mid-life need, which is escalating swiftly in America, is caregiving guidance. With access to LifeCare's Successful Aging Services, a person caring for an aging loved one can contact LifeCare's call center toll-free to speak directly to a specialist who is educated and trained in the field of elder care (nursing, rehabilitation, gerontology, etc.). The specialist assesses the caller's specific needs and then offers counseling, education and/or referrals to providers and resources nationwide (e.g., home health care, adult day care, long-term care facilities, retirement communities, meal-delivery programs, transportation services, prescription discount programs, emergency response systems, etc.).
In addition, the Successful Aging suite gives individuals access to a Professional Care Management (PCM) Program, which helps resolve more complex caregiving situations. The Program arranges for highly qualified geriatric care managers -- professional nurses and social workers who are trained in assessment, care planning, and care management of older adults -- to conduct in-person assessments and services for caregivers and their loved ones. (LifeCare's Professional Care Management Program received the 2005 Caregiver Friendly award for excellence in service from Today's Caregiver Magazine.)
When LifeCare opened its doors in 1984, only about five percent of its overall caregiving cases were related to elder care. Today, roughly 40 percent of the company's caregiving cases are devoted to elder care -- and the number grows annually. "Since caregiving has become such a widespread concern for people in mid-life, we've put a great deal of thought and effort into our caregiving resources," noted Burki. "Even people facing the most complex caregiving situations can get the help they need from us around the clock."
Online Aging Resources
Another round-the-clock aspect of the Program is the Successful Aging web site, which provides access to a wealth of tools and educational resources related to all aspects of mid-life and aging -- not just caregiving. For instance, individuals can find information on topics such as healthy aging, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle habits, emotional health, financial and legal matters, redefining retirement, government benefits and more. The online Health Risk Assessment tool and Healthy Living Programs, for example, help individuals assess their risk for certain diseases and conditions, offer recommendations for reducing risks and maintaining health, and enable people to participate in action-oriented, multi-week healthy lifestyle programs. The Healthy Living Programs address diabetes, cancer, heart health, smoking cessation, diet and nutrition, exercise and stress relief.
Among the most popular tools on the site are a library of helpful audio tips, a host of interactive seminars, and a variety of calculators and quizzes that help people determine their financial needs, where they might want to live after retiring, their risk levels for various illnesses, and more. The site also gives people access to an online Discount Center that contains hundreds of pre-negotiated discounts on products and services nationwide, including aging-related discounts on home care services, assisted living, interim care, and more.
"The basic philosophy behind our Successful Aging Services is to ensure that people are active, independent, engaged, and getting the most out of mid-life," said Burki. "At the same time, we want to help organizations of all kinds establish or strengthen their relationships with middle-aged and senior audiences. Connecting with these individuals is going to be increasingly critical in a highly competitive and aging marketplace. Organizations that put our Successful Aging Services to work now will reap the rewards for years to come."
About LifeCare ®, Inc.
With 22 years of experience in delivering highly personalized counseling, education and referral services, LifeCare helps people manage the day-to-day challenges of their lives and plan for their futures more effectively. From child care and parenting needs ... to elder care and aging challenges ... to personal health concerns ... and far beyond ... we provide high-quality tools and information 24/7 through our professionally staffed call center and award-winning web site. LifeCare currently serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within health plans, governmental agencies, unions and corporations. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1[at]lifecare.com
203-291-4170