NorthStar Geriatric Care Management and Guidance

Serves Eden Prairie, MN

35244

Not yet available

20 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and PayPal.

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Credentials

Background Check

Mark Zilberman
Completed on 8/30/2023

Introduction

We are an agency devoted to guiding and managing the special medical, psychological and social needs of seniors, their families and disabled people of all ages. We are in our 20th year of providing professional senior care management services in the Metropolitan New York City area including northern New Jersey and the northern suburbs. Let us help your parents, family members, and you: Are you unsure if or what kind of help you need for them? Do you need help arranging home care? Would you like help finding alternative places for them to live? Do you need 24 hour help for crises? Are you caring for family from a distance? Are you concerned about the future of your adult disabled children? We've proven ability to truly make things better for the seniors, and family we've worked with. So much social work is limited, for many reasons, in what can be achieved. We regularly receive praise and thanks for making life better and assurances that they could not have done it without us.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We charge by the hour for all services plus any expenses.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

The first step is a comprehensive assessment of the situation. This will usually take a little over an hour. It is usually done over the phone and should involve family members who know situation best. Of course, we can teleconference. After this, we'll want to do a home visit. This is to assess the home environment and begin a relationship with the family members. This will be VERY casual. We can discuss strategies on how not to alarm your loved ones. After this we'll deliver the assessment/plan verbally. Following on we will agree on exactly who will execute the plans. You should be starting to feel much more relaxed knowing that you're not alone and there's a professional involved. You can now start to enjoy your relationship rather than being constantly worried and concerned. I'm going to be with you, always available to guide you and/or take action.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am Mark Zilberman, LCSW. I am a social worker by license in both New York and New Jersey. Geriatric care management (also known as Aging Life Care Professionals) is a relatively new field. It is so common that new clients will say "I never knew such a service existed." I began in 2000 and am now in my 20th year of helping people and families. My education from SUNY Stony Brook, where I earned my MSW in 1997. I am a long standing member the Aging Life Care Association. I urge you to go to their website to learn about the profession. I'm also a former board member of the Greater NY Chapter. I am also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My academic training was focused on mental illness and substance abuse. I was working for another firm who found that there was a repeated need for expertise in these areas with seniors and families. I am regularly sought after by many of my colleagues due to their feeling that I've the experience and training to take on these kinds of cases.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I work with a wide range of clients. Typically, I am working with the adult children of their parents. However, it's not uncommon to be working with grandchildren. Professionals such as elder attorneys, social workers, physicians, nurses, guardians, home care agencies, assisted living facilities and judges are very often the sources of my work.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Wow. After 20 years I have so many stories. I'm going to avoid this question till we talk. Then, I'll likely be able to tell you of an experience that might be reminiscent. Don't forget to ask.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

My profession is wonderful. We are small in number and we really are colleagues. We are quick to consult with each other. I have amazing respect for my fellow professionals. I'm saying this to let you know that we are a talented, educated and experienced bunch. But, I feel the key in deciding on one of us versus another is chemistry. You've just got to feel relaxed and confident with them.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Find out about how many years they've been doing this work. There's nothing like experience. Ask about the average length of their cases? My oldest client is a 20 year relationship. We frequently become something like family.