Behind The Scenes With An Elder Care Advisor

Elder Care Advisor Michele DerVartanian

MVES Elder Care Advisor Michele DerVartanian is featured in this month’s Behind the Scenes article. As an elder care advisor, Michele is responsible for a variety of tasks both in and out of the MVES office. We talked with Michele about the daily responsibilities and challenges of her position.

Editor: What are your main responsibilities as an elder care advisor?

M. DerVartanian: As an elder care advisor, I’m responsible for contacting elders and family members who are referred to MVES. These people often need information about home care services and resources. For many individuals, I’m the first person they’ll meet with to discuss elder concerns. I’ll schedule a no-cost home visit and educate the elder and his or her family about the home care system. I provide the elder or family with advice and offer possible solutions to their needs. This might mean explaining the services available for home care, transportation, or home-delivered meals. It could also mean providing them with private-pay options and relevant information packets. After each visit, I follow up with either another home visit or a phone call to answer any questions that have surfaced.

Editor: What is a typical day like for you?

M. DerVartanian: It’s hard to say—each day is very different. Sometimes I’ll spend the day out on home visits. Other times I’ll be in the office, researching new home care resources and information. I spend quite a bit of time in the community. Lately, I’ve been assisting elders at local Councils on Aging. For example, elders can schedule an appointment with me each month at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center in North Reading. I offered a similar program in the fall in Everett. I also meet with social workers from local long-term care facilities to discuss home care services for elders returning to the community.

Editor: What is the most difficult part of your job?

M. DerVartanian: The most difficult part of my job is when I determine an elder is not eligible for all the services they had hoped for. This means the individual does not meet the financial or need requirements set by the state for home care services. Although it’s difficult to tell an elder they do not qualify for services, it’s encouraging to know that I can still provide them with advice and information. I do my best to redirect the elder and to offer them helpful resources and alternatives.

Editor: And the most enjoyable…

M. DerVartanian: I love meeting with families. I enjoy traveling throughout the different communities—speaking with families in a setting where they’re most comfortable. Most of all, I love meeting a family that is actively involved in an elder’s care. Just last week, I met with an elderly woman and her five children to discuss different home care options. I spoke with them about the resources available at MVES and gave them tips on dealing with memory loss in elders. I educated them on day programs offered in the community and informed the family about the cost of services. It’s always enjoyable to see an entire family involved in the elder care planning process.

Editor: What is most rewarding about your position?

M. DerVartanian: The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I’ve done all I can to help an individual or family in need. It is gratifying when I can use my knowledge and experience to answer their questions and help them find the resources they need to remain living safely and healthy in a setting of their choice.