Completing the
Circle of Care
with Compassion
Who We Are.
At a young age, I learned how critical care coordination is. My Dad suffered a major stroke when I was 5 years old and I witnessed firsthand both the effects of the stroke and the multiple disciplines that were involved in his recovery. Unfortunately, my Dad subsequently suffered numerous heart attacks over the next 20 years and required open-heart bypass surgery. Later in life, he developed congestive heart failure and the care coordination was more significant. While my Mom served as his primary caregiver, I supported them both by navigating doctor appointments, medical tests, and outside care. Little did I know that this would prepare me to provide care coordination and navigation for my Mom, who developed COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and after being in Hospice care for the third time succumbed at 98 years young.
These real-life struggles put a fire in my heart for care management, meeting my Clients where they are (both physically and in their life journey), coordinating care, advocating for my Clients, and assisting families with navigating this time with and for their loved ones.
I feel so grateful and honored to be able to know my Clients, advocate for them, and support both them and their families, as we complete the circle of care.
My Best,
Karla
Care Management
“Aging is not a disease that needs to be cured. It’s an opportunity, that needs to be seized.” Marc Middleton | GrowingBolder.com
Unlike others in the Senior Care arena, Care Managers, also referred to as Aging Life Care Professionals ® (ALCP) have had to pass rigorous educational, training, and experience requirements. This includes passing the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM) Certification Test, prior to holding the Care Manager Certification (CMC) designation. CMCs must recertify every three years and submit 45 continuing education units for educational programs they attended during those three years to better be able to serve Clients with the most up to date information, medically and otherwise.
Aging Life Care Professionals® also adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that are the ethical compass at the core of their profession.
As holistic, client centered professionals we advocate for our Clients and assist the family, Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate or other interested party. The ALCP is able to professionally navigate the landscape of medical uncertainty, changes in mental status and changes in the environment with the Client. This translates into informed decision making for everyone involved that puts the Client’s needs first, working toward improved quality of life.
What Aging Life Care Consultants Do
Circle Of Care
Assessment and Recommendations
Our relationship with our Care Management Clients always begins with an Assessment and written recommendations. The Assessment is a tool used to evaluate the Client’s current status medically, functionally, nutritionally, psycho-socially (this includes a cognitive assessment to establish the Client’s baseline), financially, legally, and environmentally. This comprehensive assessment is completed to identify recommendations and to share with the family future planning needs.
Consultation
Are you an overwhelmed care giver or responsible party for someone? Or maybe you are overwhelmed with choices and decisions to be made concerning a new medical diagnosis. We will meet with you in person or virtually for a one-hour Consultation where we will discuss what is important to you, offering you potential solutions, steps and strategies for moving forward.
Dynamic Aging Program
Are you a solo ager? One of the 27% of people over the age of 60, that live alone in the US? Solo agers are considered individuals living alone, have no children, or have no contact with their children. If you are, you need a “Go To” person. Aging Care Consultants can fill that need. While you may not need Care Management today as you actively age, sometime in the future you may. We can be there for you when you have that need. By establishing a relationship now we are able to keep up with any relevant changes going on with you and are prepared to advocate for you. Be dynamic and take control of your future needs, before there is a crisis.
Care Management
Being there for your loved one when you are not able is one of the important services that Care Management provides. As a Care Manager, we advocate for our Clients, oversee and coordinate their medical needs and are able to explain doctors’ reports and treatment options. This includes navigating various specialists the Client may be seeing and facilitating communication between care providers, the Client, and the family.
We meet our Clients where they are, be it in their private residence, assisted living, memory care, or a long-term care facility. In that way, we are able to support them where they are and insure their needs are being met. Our goal is for our Clients to have the best quality of life possible.
Bill Pay and Record Organization
Record retention and organization can become a burden as we age, as can just going through the mail and determining what is a solicitation and what isn’t. Aging Care Consultants are experienced in working with Clients who have this need and often need assistance writing out checks, recording them, and balancing the checkbook. We also assist with the coordination of government benefits, applications, insurance fillings, and disputing questionable charges. All paperwork stays in the Client’s home and is organized for future, quick reference should the occasion arise.*
* We are NOT licensed Insurance Brokers, nor are we Financial Planners and never make financial decisions for our Clients
Monthly Virtual Care Coaching
Caregivers are often overwhelmed with the situation they find themselves in. Monthly Virtual Care Coaching gives the caregiver an opportunity to establish a relationship with a Care Manager who has experience and education in managing and advocating for individuals that are aging and facing challenging decisions in regards to the future. You can tap into their expertise through this unique program.
The Transitions Program
Transitions as we age become more and more difficult to self-manage, a Care Manager can navigate these for the Client and family, working to achieve the best outcomes. Transitions from hospital to Rehab are critical to the Client’s recovery and discharge planning involves many facets that an experienced Care Manager is able to navigate on the Client’s and family’s behalf.
Equally as important are both Care Planning while the Client is in Rehab and the discharge plan from Rehab to home. An experienced and trusted Care Manager will guide the Client and family through this process so that the Client is set up for success when she/he returns home. It is not uncommon for the Client to have some initial confusion as they adjust to being home, we can be there to support them, again working for the Client to have the best quality of life possible.
Benefit Navigation
Insurance questions, and selection choices can be daunting. We are able to assist with Medicare questions and enrollment, understanding long-term care policies, and assisting with initiating benefits. In addition, we are also able to research and find benefits that you or your loved one may be eligible for.* We work with local certified Elder Law Attorneys who can assist with The Medicaid process if needed.
* We are NOT licensed Insurance Brokers, nor are we Financial Planners and never make financial decisions for our Clients
Independent Expert Witness
Public Speaking
CV available upon request
Trusted Care
Karla Lindeen, BS, MBA, CMC
Founder/Executive Director
✉
Karla is an Advanced Aging Life Care Professional. Karla earned her Care Manager Certification from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She is an active member of the Aging Life Care Association, and serves on the Florida Chapter Board of Directors, as President. She has been an active member of Aging Life Care Professional Association since 2011 and held numerous positions at a both a local and National level, including Co-Unit Leader of the Tampa Bay Unit, Chair of the Florida Chapter Public Relations Committee, served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Aging Life Care, has served on the Florida Chapter Board of Directors. In 2020 Karla was recognized as an Outstanding Member of the Aging Life Care Association for her work with her clients as well as her support and service to the Aging Life Care Association.
In addition to her CMC certification, Karla’s education includes an undergraduate degree from Florida State University, a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix, and a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida. Karla is a Life Story Training graduate and has earned an essentiALZ® Plus Dementia Advanced Care Certification
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Karla has almost thirty years of experience in healthcare and senior care, in various capacities locally in the Tampa Bay area. This includes her time at the Alzheimer’s Association as a Program Specialist working with families and Clients to plan for a supported future. Karla also did numerous community training speaking events while with the Association.
Her experience includes working in a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Palm Harbor, as Resident Services Director. She was tasked with starting the department from the ground up. Karla and her department provided Care Management as well as Homemaker Companion services for the Residents there.
Karla has been active in her local community by proudly serving in various roles, including her work on the Dunedin Committee on Aging. She served as Vice-Chair and then Committee Chair serving the people of Dunedin. She also enjoys doing mixed-media art projects, paper crafting, and growing orchids. Karla and her husband are avid Tampa Bay Lightning fans, enjoy travel, and their two grandsons ages 12 and 9.
Courtnee Kashtan, RN, CAPA
Nurse Care Manager
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As a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing candidate Courtnee never gives up her continued desire for learning and expanding her knowledge base. Working in a local hospital system, where she started in the Medical Surgical Unit, specializing in Oncology. This Unit allowed for the development of a broad knowledge base and understanding of many medical conditions. Courtnee went on to obtain her National Professional Certification, CAPA or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, which was designed for registered nurses caring for patients who have experienced sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia.
Her supervisor there stated “Courtnee has the ability to build trust with her patients, always finding ways to connect with them.” This attribute is never more present than when she is working with her Care Management Clients. A calming presence, often in times of crisis for the Client, Courtnee is able to reassure them, in their time of need. Courtnee feels she has the opportunity to help Clients in their most vulnerable and unexpected critical moments, advocating for them while bringing them comfort. Courtnee is busy in her off time with her two daughters, both of whom are following in her footsteps and are studying to work in the medical field.
What They Are Saying
Resources
Areas of Service
Pinellas County
Pasco County
Hernando County
West Hillsborough County
Contact
727.698.7440
info@agingcareconsultantsfl.com
1497 Main Street #165
Dunedin, FL 34698
Contact Us
How can we serve you and your loved ones? Our focus is on needs first so that there is an improved quality of life for your loved one.