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LifeCare® Reaches Milestone: More Than a
Half-Million Lives Covered by Innovative Successful AgingSM Services
Unique suite of services helps individuals resolve full
range of mid-life and aging-related issues—caregiving, leading healthier
lives, personal coaching, legal and financial matters, pre- and post retirement
planning, and much more
Organizations benefit from improved relationships with middle-aged and senior
customers, members, employees and other key audiences
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:
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adult caregiving needs—day-to-day
needs, complex long-term situations, in-home and post-hospital assessments,
ongoing care coordination, etc.;
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cognitive health issues—mental
function, emotional wellbeing, preventive measures, etc.;
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legal matters—wills,
estates, document preparation, etc.;
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financial issues—credit
and debt, investing, personal finances, etc.; and
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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.”
Notes to Editors
Peter G. Burki is available for interview.
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@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
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