Care Navigation

AgingEmpowered provides Care Navigation services to older adults and their families in the Midwest. Practicing under the scope of Aging Life Care Professionals (formerly called Geriatric Care Managers: https://www.aginglifecare.org), Care Navigators are specially trained in all aspects of older adult health and well-being, and are skilled in recommending resources to older adults to help them age successfully in their homes, coordinate care, problem solve challenges related to aging, and find appropriate next homes, as necessary.  Colleen is  Care Manager Certified by The National Academy of Certified Care Managers.



Care Navigation Services

Care Navigation (AKA case management) looks different to each client, as it is personalized to meet their needs. Some clients prefer routine visits with ongoing assessments and referrals to maximize independence and quality of life; case management; and even physician visit companion and advisor. Below is a list of services available. Looking for something additional? Contact AgingEmpowered to inquire about concierge or special services.

Care Partner Coaching

AgingEmpowered offers care partner coaching and on-call services for caregivers nationwide. Care partner coaching “meets” through video or phonemail to empower caregivers to be the care navigator for a friend or family member, or balance caregiving with other life roles. Care partner coaching empowers caregivers with the knowledge and skills to perform their caregiving with grace and confidence. Care Partner Coaching is available nationwide.

Assessment and Care Plan Development

Assessments and Plans of Care are the foundation for Care Navigation and other services. This Assessment and Care Plan process identifies strengths and determines potential areas of focus for enhanced well-being for the client. The AgingEmpowered Assessment mirrors common Geriatric Care Management assessments and reviews five factors of health including general wellness, functional health, psychological health, social engagement, and environmental fit and safety. Following the assessment, the care navigator meets with the client (and family or friends, if appropriate) to review the assessment and prioritize goals of care.

Respite Care Coordination

Respite care is temporary assistance provided to an individual and/or their family to allow care partners an opportunity to take time away for their health and well-being. Our Care Navigator can help you to establish a respite plan that will allow you time to relax and refresh while ensuring your loved one is safe and supported during your respite. Our care navigator can even monitor and supervise care while you're away.

Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention includes an emergent assessment with care plan recommendations to help families navigate the complex matrix of health care and senior living decisions. Receiving a call that your friend or family member has had an emergency is scary and stressful. The AgingEmpowered crisis team helps bring calm and organization to an otherwise stressful situation.

Aging-In-Place Consultation

Looking for strategies to ensure you or your loved one ages well at home? Consider an Aging-In-Place Assessment. An AIP assessment is a comprehensive review of the home environment which also considers the needs of the person living within that home. Recommendations for structural improvements as well as resources to help support an adult over the lifespan are offered in alignment with goals and resources.

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning provies individuals the opportunity to make their care preferences for the end of life known while they are still able to voice preferences. As a Respecting Choices Facilitator, Colleen is specially trained in guiding conversations about advance care planning, documenting preferences, and communicating them with a care team.

Aging Relocation and Aging Family Visit

Coordinating a move for an older adult can be challenging, especially if that move is across the state, country, or the world! Colleen helps families plan for and coordinate moves close to a caregiver or relative whether that person is in across town or a plane ride away. Consultation and coordination assistance for a family visit or trip is also available.



Who might benefit from Care Navigation

Navigating the complex landscape of aging services is a daunting task for older adults and their families. The Care Navigators at AgingEmpowered are knowledgeable in needs of aging individuals and their families, and the resources available to them. Wondering if you might benefit from a consultation?

If you are an older adult, and you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be appropriate for AgingEmpowered’s Care Navigation Consultation.

  • Do you have multiple health challenges?
  • Are you or your family concerned about home safety and suitability of the current living environment?
  • Are you dissatisfied with one of your care providers or members of your team?
  • Do you have limited support from family and friends?

If you are a friend or family member caring for an older adult, and you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be appropriate for AgingEmpowered’s Care Navigation Consultation.

  • Are you confused about the needs of your loved one and the services in your area?
  • Are you feeling overwhelmed by caregiving duties?
  • Are you providing support from a distance?
  • Do you feel you would benefit from education or coaching related to supporting someone with memory loss?



My family developed a great partnership with Colleen at AgingEmpowered. She is an invaluable resource to our family as we care for my mother and aunt. She is caring, practical, and smart. AgingEmpowered helps us keep our family home within our budget. I can’t thank our financial planner enough for referring AgingEmpowered!