Issue 2, April 2007
FEATURE ARTICLE - Aging in Place - The Goal of Life Care Planning | HEALTHLINE - Alcohol and Aging |
LIFE CARE PLANNING - Meet Ruth Valentine - Elder Care Coordinator | CAREGIVER HELPLINE - Advocating for Long-Term Care Residents |
LEGAL LINE - An Underused LTC Benefit for Veterans and Surviving Spouses

MEET RUTH VALENTINE - Elder Care Coordinator

Ruth joined Levandowski & Darpino, LLC, in July 2006. As Elder Care Coordinator, she helps seniors and their families attain the highest quality of life given their circumstances. She works with families to help them understand and navigate the long-term care system and obtain care and services in their communities. Her understanding of this complex system is based on 36 years of experience as a social worker in health care. She has directed a geriatric resource center and an adult day program, developed educational programs, assisted hospital patients and families and served on numerous community and professional advisory boards. She has a master's degree in social work from Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey.

Lifelines talked with Ruth about what she brings to clients.

LL: How do you assist Levandowski & Darpino, LLC, clients?
RV: As Elder Care Coordinator, my job is to help clients who engage in our Life Care Planning service. This usually begins with a thorough assessment of their care needs and living situation. I look at their overall health and how well they're able to manage on their own, what help is available through family and community, and potential problem areas. I advocate on their behalf with medical providers, community services and long-term care providers, both now and as their needs change. These may include doctors' offices, home health agencies, assisted living communities and nursing homes. My services go hand-in-hand with the legal services provided by elder law attorneys Henry and Maria, which include finding funding for services and protecting assets. Together we develop a comprehensive, individualized road map designed to help people remain independant for as long as possible and achieve the greatest quality of life they can.

LL: It's rare to see a law firm with a social worker. What drew you to this position?
RV: Henry and Maria have a vision that goes well beyond the typical elder law firm. They recognize that clients need more than estate planning and asset protection. In order to truly serve their clients, they need to offer comprehensive services that assist them with all their needs.

The opportunity to work with people who are concerned with facilities the best possible quality of life for their clients is very exciting to me. This is a new model in this region. Because it makes so much sense, it is likely to become the standard of care, but right now we are part of a ground-breaking movement.

We are completely in sync with our views on helping people. This is a small practice built on developing strong relationships. Their assesment of how my education and experience can benefit people they interact with is crafting a fresh, new concept of elder law.

LL: You obviously have a real passion for helping people. What fuels that passion?
RV: I come from a family of health care providers, so I was naturally drawn to the helping professions of social work and health care. I also had a grandparent I was very close to. Watching her process of aging was a moving experience for me. My experiences have driven me to be a strong advocate for seniors and their families. Seniors in our society are not given the respect, concern and consideration they're due. My desire is to help them get the care they deserve.

LL: What characteristics have you found to be most helpful in advocating for seniors?
RV: Having 36 years of working with older people and navigating the ins and outs of the health and long-term care systems enables me to understand their needs and work on their behalf. We live and work in an incredibly complex society, especially when it comes to long-term care. I know how to access services. My patients and clients have told me they appreciate my combination of empathy and professionalism, combined with my knowledge of this environment.

LL: It must be frustrating sometimes. What keeps you going?
RV: We clearly need an easier and less expensive systems that affords all people better access to care--from physicians, nurses, other health care providers, home health and assisted living. Until this system changes, my reward come from helping people negotiate the system to get what they need. I am touching people's lives at a time of great concern to them. If I can facilitate an outcome for that works well for them, I'm pleased.

LL: Do you forsee any changes in the system with the onslaught of aging baby boomers?
RV: It will take many factions coming together to fix this broken system. The baby boomers potentially have a strong voice and can demand more as a group, but their numbers will also put more of a drain on an already weakened system. I sense that the landscape of aging and how we work with seniors will change over the next 20 years, but just how it changes, we don't know yet.

LL: So what advice do you have for people to help them through the aging process?
RV: Don't procrastinate. Think about what qualities of life are important to you as you age, and what you need to do in order to achieve that. Take care of yourself physically, financially and legally. Get legal documents taken care of, make a financial plan and don't neglect your health. Eat well and exercise. Stay engaged, and keep your mind active. It will enhance your ability to enjoy life.

LL: How do you follow your own advice?
RV: I make sure that exercise--working out and walking--is part of every day. I enjoy reading (especially good fiction) and a variety of music--classical, folk, '60s rock. My husband and I enjoy the many cultural opportunities Philadelphia has to offer, especially the orchestra, theaters, restaurants, movies and our city garden. I'm one of those baby boomers, and know how important it is to take care of yourself and plan for the future. I've seen first-hand how difficult it can be when you don't.

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