I am a practicing RN with over 30 years in the field of Gerontology. My experience ranges from care giving training and supervision, education, community base nursing, and working alongside health advocates and community representatives to promote appropriate and cost effective programs. Q. Please introduce yourself (can include your current work, community involvement, achievements, how you became a care manager, etc. Something that will make readers feel that they know you at least a bit). - My name is Tina Cheplick. I am a practicing RN with over 30 years in the field of Gerontology. My experience ranges from care giving training and supervision, education, community base nursing, and working alongside health advocates and community representatives to promote appropriate and cost effective programs. Some of my experiences have lead me to co-write and provide direct leadership on issues such as caregiver training, home care, social welfare, and aging in place.  Over the past 10 years I have become a leader in care/case management by forming interests in providing care to the elderly as our health care policies changed. I am involved with both community and national boards.  Presently I am the principal of Care Solutions for Elders which is a case management and consulting firm. Our specialized staff includes registered nurses who also have been in the field of community care and also have extensive backgrounds in eldercare. I approach every elder as a unique individual with emphasis on safety allowing nurses to do what they do best...combining compassion and dignity as we assist in health care management, transitions, loss, and providing advocacy. Q. How Care Manager can improve the situation for family with aging loved one? Are Care Managers for every situation? - The nuclear family is not what it used to be and older adults must now rely on others for their care. The need for caregivers who are compassionate and understanding of cultural differences is great. We need to continuously find a balance between caring for elders while adhering to best nursing practices, approaching every elder as a unique individual is our mission.    Q. What to look for when choosing a Care Manager? - Care managers are everywhere and each care manager provides a different model. A family member searching for a care manager must be able to connect with the care manager as they define what it is they think they need. Family members may ask for or think they need one particular thing but end up through the process realizing that they need something entirely different.  I also think family members must look for credentials, years in the field so a sense of trust can be established.  Q. Do... Read more