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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CARING FOR THE ELDERLY + + 'Care Consultation' a Telephone- and Computer- Based Empowerment Intervention for Older Adults By David M. Bass, PhD caregivers. Developed in over 15 years of research, Care Consultation provides personalized health information, assis- tance mobilizing the informal network of family and friends, help accessing and monitoring the use of services, and emotional support. It also is an effective method of C care coordination for primary care, community services, and long-term care services. Care consultants are coaches and work in partnership with caregivers, care receivers, and other family members over an extended time period to provide needed information, to help people con- nect with services and programs that are appropriate to their needs, to develop a step-by-step plan to address those needs, and to set a calling schedule for follow- up. Consultations are all conducted via telephone or e-mail, if preferred. The Care Consultation Information System was developed to guide the delivery of this evidence-based program and includes + assessment triggers to detect potential medical and non-medical problems + individualized action steps which are simple behavioral tasks assigned to a specifi c person with a date for completion and + structured ongoing monitoring and reassessment. ARE CONSULTATION IS a low- cost, evidence-based program that helps older adults in need of care and their family A set protocol and manual assure the fi delity of Care Consultation. Care Consultation empowers con- sumers to manage chronic health problems and strives for effi ciency by its consumer-driven philosophy and primary reliance on telephone and computer communication. Caregivers, care receivers, and care consultants collaborate in formulating a care plan and determining priorities. Care Consultation has been tested for effi cacy, effectiveness, and broad-scale feasibility in nine research and demon- stration projects. These projects include randomized controlled trials and larger multi-site investigations. They have involved more than 2000 families deal- ing with a variety of chronic conditions and residing in many different communi- ties. The impact of Care Consultation on a wide range of outcomes has been dem- onstrated. Outcomes include improved well-being and satisfaction with care, as well as reduced care-related strains. In some studies, Care Consultation has also resulted in reduced hospital, emergency department, and nursing home service use. Dr. David Bass is vice president for Research and Senior Research Scientist, Margaret Blenkner Research Institute of the Benjamin Rose Institute. Numerous peer reviewed journal articles have been published on Care Consultation. Copies of these articles and more information about Care Consultation, which was developed in over 15 years of research conducted by the Margaret Blenkner Research Institute, may be obtained from Dr. Bass. n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011 MDNEWS.COM MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 25