Sep 30
Options Counseling: Where to go first
Sara Stein has more than fifteen years of direct service experience at Springwell, having worked as a Care Manager before moving into the role of Options Counselor three years ago. The short-term nature of Options Counseling means that Sara can share her wealth of experience navigating the world of aging and caregiving services with more people.
With Options Counseling, individuals and families receive information about relevant programs, services, community resources, and housing options, as well as information about financial resources that can help pay for services. Examples of some of the things Options Counselors can help with include: doing a benefits check-up; connecting someone to food resources and transportation options; providing comprehensive housing lists, help in understanding the housing search process, and sorting through the complex maze of housing eligibility rules; or connecting an individual to someone who can assist with the management of their finances.
According to Sara, “While the time I can spend with someone is limited [according to the program rules, an Options Counseling intervention is about 30 days], I feel as if I have done something if I am able to get someone started on planning, by delving into their specific situations, providing well-targeted information coupled with a dose of realism, and getting them started on what will inevitably be a multi-step process. Because of my long history with Springwell, I am often able to make a smooth referral to another program, connecting people and helping both parties know what to expect. I also draw on my case management experience to get a deep sense of a particular situation with a long initial consult, either over the phone or in person. The process works best, though, when someone is in a position to take action themselves on the resources and guidance that I can provide.”