Aging with Advocacy: Guiding Seniors and Caregivers Towards a Life Well Lived

As financial planners, we often face scenarios that profoundly affect our clients’ lives. Among these, the costs and challenges associated with aging—particularly in elder caregiving—stand out for their deep personal, emotional, and financial impact. Our clients, along with their families and friends, frequently seek our expertise when they notice a decline in a loved one’s health and require professional guidance to navigate this complex and potentially expensive journey. Over the years, we’ve established an extensive network of Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys, as well as caregiving resources, to alleviate the stress and burden on primary caregivers. A standout resource in our network is Tracy Valletti and her team at Northeast Care Management and Consultants, LLC. They offer Independent Geriatric Care Management, serving as the central coordinator for medical care options. With a comprehensive understanding of both in-home and facility-based care, they provide unbiased advice, empowering families to make well-informed decisions about their loved one’s care. Today, I talked to Tracy to learn more about how her company helps those in need of advice and support.

Hello Tracy, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Could you start by telling us a little about your background and how you created your company, Northeast Care Management and Consultants LLC?

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. I have over 20 years of experience in healthcare in a variety of settings and roles. I started in nursing homes and moved to managing assisted living facilities where I managed several communities. I created my company in 2021 as navigating the complexities of healthcare and finding the right resources can be overwhelming for families. By guiding the access to the appropriate support and creating a comprehensive plan, you can empower families to better care for their loved ones at home. This support can significantly enhance the quality of life and ensure the well-being of those in need.

What is the role of an independent geriatric care manager and what types of services are offered through your company?

Geriatric care managers are essential professionals for families caring for older adults. They assist in assessing needs, creating care plans, and coordinating services. Their expertise streamlines the caregiving process and ensures that older adults receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific requirements. 

Besides care management, we offer Registered Dietician services. Nutrition is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but requirements differ in older adults due to the physiological changes as people age. Many seniors and adults with complex medical issues have dietary restrictions from low-sodium, low-sugar, to diabetic diets. Maintaining a proper diet helps to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, promote more energy, and cognitive health to name just a few of the advantages.

 Recreational Therapy and Activity Programming is a supportive approach that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions designed to meet the needs of older adults and those with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). This adjunct service to care management is a holistic program that promotes the six dimensions of wellness: Intellectual, Physical, Emotional, Occupational, Social, and Spiritual pursuits. A qualified staff member will work to provide a specific program designed to meet your loved one's interests and will work with community resources to offer the widest range of options available for your loved one.

Tell us more about what types of clients and families may receive help from these services.

Any family with an older adult can be helped by some level of guidance from a care manager as we provide a wide range of services primarily to those on the North Shore, Cape Ann, Southern New Hampshire, and the Merrimack Valley.

Many people are part- or full-time caregivers for an elderly person in their lives or are navigating these challenges remotely if they live in a different geographic location.  How does Northeast Care Management give guidance and support to family members who are often juggling childcare and work schedules of their own or cannot be physically present to help?

Families that are not geographically close and those in the 'sandwich generation' face unique challenges. They juggle work, caring for elderly parents, and raising children. Despite the complexities, these families often develop strong bonds and resilience. They learn to prioritize and appreciate the value of the support system that a care manager can introduce them to and manage. We often work collaboratively with a family so, for example, if they are unable to attend a doctor’s appointment, we can help to fill the gaps for them.

Managing the changing needs of aging can be a challenging and stressful time of life. What advice would you give on how to introduce the concept of Geriatric Care Management to someone who may benefit from your services?

Enlisting the services of a Care Manager can greatly benefit older adults in times of crisis. Care Managers can help ensure that essential details are in place before an emergency occurs, preventing life-changing events due to overlooked factors. By proactively addressing simple but crucial matters, such as healthcare directives or support systems, Care Managers can provide invaluable support and guidance to older adults and their families during challenging times.

What do you find most rewarding about what you do?

Putting together a solid plan where both the family and the older adult are satisfied is truly rewarding. By addressing the unique needs of each family and finding resources that align with those needs, you are making a positive impact. Seeing the happiness and relief on their faces as they receive the support, they require brings a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment to my work. Finding solutions that not only address the issues at hand but also pave the way for a smoother and more comfortable journey for everyone involved is very rewarding.

How can someone learn more about Northeast Care Management and Consultants LLC?

Anyone who would like to learn more about our services can give me a call at my Peabody office at 978-871-2113 or my Andover office at 978-662-5363 or you can email me at Tracy@northeastcaremanagement.com. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation so I can get an understanding of what your needs are and how I can help you either on a short-term or a long-term basis.

Tracy Valletti, MS, CDP is the Founder of Northeast Healthcare Management and Consultants LLC. She holds a Masters in Gerontology and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. In Tracy's spare time, she loves to kayak, cross-country ski, garden and spend time with family.

Tracy Valletti and Northeast Care Management and Consultants LLC are not affiliated with Peabody Wealth Advisors and LPL Financial