Staci Miller
Staci Miller has another hat to wear. She is not leaving her position as director of the Foundation for Community Care, but has started a new business in geriatric care management called Bridging Milestones.
The business has been in the works for some time. "I've always worked two jobs," Miller said. "The canceling of the class I taught at Bismarck State College gave me the time to finish developing this business."
According to their website, Bridging Milestones works with seniors and their families to bridge the next stage of life with a comprehensive geriatric care management plan. Their personalized plans help eliminate the confusion and anxiety often associated with navigating senior resources and options. They work directly with seniors, family members, guardians and friends, as well as attorneys, trust officers, physicians, other health care providers, and financial advisors.
Miller returned to the area 5 years ago to help her grandma stay independent as long as possible. She found it extremely difficult to navigate among the various resources available. She also found communication with family difficult as they are spread out all over the country. She realized then the need for services such as those provided by Bridging Milestones.
Geriatric care management is a relatively new industry within the past 10 years. The closest resource was Denver or Minneapolis. Miller will bring those resources closer to home by servicing all of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. "There is a huge need in this region," she said. In addition to locating resources, providing emotional support for a family is something a care manager can do. "We can step back and objectively see what the senior's goals are and help identify their needs. It all comes back to the senior and what they want," Miller explained. Bridging Milestones provides pro active planning for the future, rather than reacting to an emergency situation. For those who want to plan, Miller can advise on how to start a conversation with parents or a spouse. "It's been interesting through this process (of starting the business) how it's opened up windows of opportunity to have conversations about yourself and your parents and getting things in writing. It's not just a business but a personal benefit as well," she said.
The first assessment is free and usually by phone with the senior, their family, or both. It involves identifying goals and what the person wants now and in the long term. Who is the current caregiver is also discussed, especially for those whose family lives a distance away. Follow up assessments are more detailed and involve a personal visit, usually with Layla the pet therapy dog by Miller's side, if the client agrees. "It's amazing how much she can do that I or another human can't. She takes all the stress out of a situation," Miller explained. Fees then are charged depending on the client's needs.
Bridging Milestones has a staff of one. Miller will rely on the phone and internet to do most of the administrative work, and will travel wherever necessary on the weekends and evenings to meet with clients. She does have individuals who are interested in being consultants and will fill in if she cannot travel at a particular time.
Currently there is no nationally mandated license or certification to become a geriatric care manager. However, Miller says being a health and human services specialist and the ability to communicate compassionately with people is a requirement. She worked with United Cerebral Palsy, helping people with disabilities and the elderly with disabilities, dementia or Alzheimers. Her career with the Arizona State Retirement involved helping people with their retirement plans, setting goals for the next stage of life. Miller is certified in Person Center Planning, setting up individual, personalized care plans for people. She is also a certified Life Coach which involves 'big picture' planning. She continues her education on a regular basis, staying up to date in the field, the resources and the technology. "I have a passion for the industry," Miller stated. "The number 1 criteria is to love people of all ages and backgrounds."
Miller is excited about the possibility of Bridging Milestones becoming a family business with her daughters showing an interest. Both girls, one in Tucson and one in the Air Force overseas, have experience in habilitation work with the elderly and those with disabilities.
The moral support Miller has received from family and friends has been huge. "I bounce ideas off them. Their support is invaluable," she said. "The great part is I can do something near and dear to my heart without conflicting with my day job. There aren't many people who can be involved in two of the passions of their life. I'm blessed to be able to do that."
For more information on Bridging Milestones, visit their website http://www.bridging-milestones.com, Contact them at [email protected], call 406-480-4633, or write to them at PO Box 525, Fairview, MT 59221.
Reader Comments(0)