Behind The Scenes With A Bilingual Case Manager

When Aleftina Freydin moved to the United States from Russia in 1991, she didn’t speak English. After 16 years in the states and almost 10 years at MVES, Aleftina has learned our language and adapted to our culture. As an MVES bilingual case manager, she uses her ability to speak two languages to help both English- and Russian-speaking area elders.

Editor: Can you tell me about your move from Russia to the United States?

Freydin: I came to the United States on October 22, 1991 with 11 members of my family, including my two children who were 20 and 14-years-old at the time. When I lived in Russia it was a very difficult time, especially for Jewish people. When my family and I considered what we wanted in life, we knew we couldn’t find it in Russia but we could find it here in the United States. My sister moved here years before me in 1978, so I stayed with her when I first moved. My entire family is here now. I do still have friends in Russia that I keep in touch with and talk to on the phone every month. I’ve only been back to Russia to visit once, three years ago.

Editor: Did you find the adjustment of the move challenging?

Freydin: Yes, it was a difficult time. At first, my English was limited to words like hi, bye, and thank you. Sometimes the phone would ring when I was home alone and I would get nervous because I couldn’t speak the language yet. But, Jewish Family Services helped me with the adjustment and arranged for me to take an English class.

Editor: You’re an MVES case manager now. Did you have a similar job when you were in Russia?

Freydin: For 23 years I was a speech therapist for children in Russia. I used to help kids between the ages of five and seven and now I help elders who are 60 and over!

Editor: How did you learn about the opportunity to become an MVES case manger?

Freydin: When I first moved to this country, I went to beauty school! I worked in that field for a couple of years and decided to move on. I was employed elsewhere as a home health aid for three years when I saw the job for MVES bilingual case manager advertised in the newspaper. I applied, had two interviews, and got the job! I have been a home care case manager at MVES for 9 ½ years now. I am very happy here.

Editor: What are your major responsibilities as a case manager?

Freydin: My number one responsibility is to help elders stay safe in their own homes for as long as possible. Case managers are here to help elders—to coordinate our clients’ care. We refer our clients to programs and services that will help them stay independent. My time spent in the office is for completing necessary paperwork and taking and returning phone calls to clients, caregivers, and family members. I go on home visits to see clients almost every day. One-third of my clients are Russian speaking and the other two-thirds speak English.

Editor: What is a typical home visit like?

Freydin: When I go on a home visit, I look around at a client’s living environment, we discuss any concerns they have, and I talk to them to see if the services that they are currently receiving are working for them. If I notice that they are in need of additional help, I work to try and set up the services that will keep them safe. And, I answer their questions and talk to them about everyday life.

Editor: Are you the only case manager who has Russian-speaking clients?

Freydin: No. I am one of two home care case managers who speak Russian. When MVES gets a new Russian-speaking client, our intake department will refer them to either me or to the other case manager depending on the size of each of our case loads and depending upon the community in which the elder lives. There are also two Russian-speaking case managers in our Health Services Department.

Editor: What do you find most challenging about your job?

Freydin: I think my accent presents a challenge sometimes. I just can’t lose it! But, I’ve been with most of my clients for a very long time. They’ve gotten used to it and can understand me.

Editor: What is most rewarding?

Freydin: When I see my clients smile, I feel so good. I like that they confide in me and see me as someone who can help them. My clients know my phone number and know that they can call me anytime. I’m glad I can help make them feel safe.