Elder Life Management & Home Care Finds Health Care Solutions

This Patch article is sponsored by Elder Life Management & Home Care.

Established in 1987, Elder Life Management & Home Care provides services to the elderly and their families, as well as those with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. The full-service organization was created to emphasize a holistic, client-centered approach aimed at preventing crisis situations in clients’ lives.

Elder Life Management's services are initiated with a comprehensive consultation, which culminates with a plan of action and a blueprint for moving forward. It offers expert advice on everything from financing the cost of long-term care to assisting in applying for Medicaid, VA Benefits and other community programs, as well as coordinating living arrangements.

Elder Life Home Care, a New Jersey licensed health care service firm, provides a full array of home care services, including live-in caregivers, hourly home health aides, companions and skilled nursing services.

Patch caught up with Judith S. Parnes, LCSW, CMC, executive director and founder of Elder Life Management & Home Care, to learn more about the solution-oriented organization.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Parnes: I established Elder Life Management in 1987 in Monmouth County and was one of only 25 people in the country to be certified to provide geriatric care management services.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Parnes: We find health care solutions.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Parnes: As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, I was always keenly aware of the needs of others. I watched my parents as they aged, seeing their needs increase and become more “at risk” mentally, physically and financially. It was only natural for me to want to help them, especially as I focused my education and training on becoming a social worker. I have always found great satisfaction in helping people.

I started my career by establishing Protective Services for the elderly, one of the first such programs in the state. Focusing on the frail elderly, I created Elder Life Management in response to seeing many unmet needs within this population. Being able to individually meet with someone, assess their needs and then establish a plan of action for their unique characteristics brings peace of mind to elder individuals and their families.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Parnes: The current COVID -19 crisis has greatly impacted all of us who provide health services. We quickly had to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of our quarantined clients, as well as being able to get new clients out of hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities to minimize the risk of exposure. Fortunately, we’ve had great success placing many individuals back into their homes with full-time, live-in caregivers.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Parnes: First and foremost, we find solutions! As a full-service organization, we don’t just offer home health care — we also provide professional care management and other concierge services as well. Our clients are individuals, so we listen to our clients and their families, create a plan based on needs, and then monitor that plan so we can be responsive when needs change. This approach helps ensure our clients’ ongoing health and safety.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Parnes: Be honest, act with integrity and have compassion.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors that you're excited about?

Parnes: We have been actively exploring how we can integrate technology to enhance our clients’ quality of life and safety at home. Being able to bring cost-effective devices into a home — and monitor things like medication adherence, location or balance — is something we’re very excited about. For some clients, a simple technology solution can make all the difference between being able to remain safe at home or having to move to an alternate care location.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Parnes: Visit our website and follow our Facebook page. You can contact us by telephone to speak with a knowledgeable staff person at 732-493-8080 or email us and get a prompt reply.