We recently sat down with Nicole Cicerella, Evergold’s Care Coordinator, to discuss her role, the process of creating individualized care plans, and the real-world benefits of our program.
Nicole also touches on the practicalities of aging at home, shifts in senior care preferences, and upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing member health and engagement. Read on to learn more and get to know a fixture of the Evergold team.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a care coordinator with Evergold at Home?
I’ve worked in the older adult arena as a Licensed Social Worker with a certification in gerontology for 20+ years. For the last 8 years, I served as the Care Coordinator Manager for a similar At Home program. Because my passion is keeping older adults in their home so that they can continue to thrive, Evergold was the next logical step for me. At Evergold, I get to support older adults flourish right where they are, through wellness management and social activities. Plus, I get to be their advocate as they navigate the next stages of their life.
2. As a care coordinator, what does a typical day look like for you, and how do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities?
A typical day consists of completing assessments for incoming and existing members, creating and finalizing care plans, and coordinating any care needed for existing members, which is always my top priority. I also network to educate other healthcare professionals about Evergold and build partnerships with providers in the local community to ensure that our members have access to a wide array of options.
3. How do you approach creating personalized care plans for clients, and what factors do you consider most important in this process?
The first step to creating personalized care plans is to have an open and honest dialogue with our members (and their family, when relevant) to ensure their goals are clearly understood and reflected in their care plans. In addition to care, I consider socialization, engagement, and wellness to be key components of the plan. My goal is always to honor their wishes and ensure their needs are addressed head on. If additional care becomes necessary, our providers can deliver exactly what is needed thanks to the detailed requirements that make up each care plan.
4. Can you share a success story where you were able to make a significant difference in a client's life through tailored care coordination?
In my previous role, I worked closely with a member who had just been diagnosed with cancer. He very much wanted to keep living at home, which was made possible through the support of the At Home program and Hospice care. The decision to stay at home was incredibly important to him, as his wife had dementia and relied on the stability and familiarity of their home environment. Helping to facilitate this arrangement for him meant that he could keep living with his wife of 55 years without disrupting her routine, all while getting the support and care that he needed. It is a profound example of how tailored care coordination can have a meaningful and tangible impact on members' lives, health, and happiness.
5. In your opinion, what are the key benefits of aging at home compared to traditional care settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities?
There are numerous advantages of aging at home compared to a senior living facility. The list is endless, but here are a few:
- Comfort of familiar surroundings
- More privacy
- Greater independence
- Ability to maintain daily routines
- Often more cost-effective
- Live by your own rules, not someone else’s
6. How do you ensure the quality of care is maintained across all Evergold at Home caregivers and services?
I complete announced and unannounced monitoring visits with members who are receiving care to ensure care is being carried out according to the member’s plan of care. I also have continuous dialogue with members to ensure their caregiver(s) is a good fit for them. In addition, maintaining positive relationships with our contracted providers promotes awareness of my role and expectations when caring for Evergold members.
7. What are some trends you've noticed in the preferences and needs of seniors in recent years, and how has Evergold at Home adapted to these changes?
We are now working with the Baby Boomer generation, and they have been very vocal about wanting to keep living at home as they get older. Evergold allows them to do this at a fraction of the cost of traditional senior living facilities. Older adults also increasingly want to have a voice in their care and how it is carried out. We facilitate this by having open and honest dialogues with our care coordinators and encouraging members to fully participate in the creation and execution of their care plans. In addition, “younger” older adults are still very active and seek out activities and social engagement. Because of this, we have a robust events calendar and educational series on topics that are fun and applicable to this group.
8. Looking ahead, what new initiatives or programs are you excited about introducing to further enrich the lives of Evergold at Home clients?
I'm really excited about introducing new initiatives that aim to further enrich our clients' lives. Our focus on wellness management is designed to minimize health and physical challenges that come with aging. I'm particularly excited about offering home safety assessments to ensure our members' living environments are secure and supportive. Adding a dietician to our team to evaluate and improve our clients' nutritional habits is another step I'm looking forward to, as proper nutrition is fundamental to maintaining health and well-being. Additionally, the social and educational activities we have in the pipeline will offer meaningful engagement and learning opportunities. All of these initiatives collectively represent our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our members.
9. What advice would you give to families considering Evergold?
I would say that if you or your loved one is looking to keep living at home for years to come, protect your/their finances with fixed care costs, and have an advocate and a guide through this stage of life, Evergold could be a great solution. I would also emphasize the value of planning ahead. The future of health and needs can be unpredictable, and without a crystal ball to guide us, preparing in advance ensures that you're covered for any eventuality is the wisest thing you can do. Once you become a member of Evergold, you have guaranteed care for any need that arises, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
10. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to spend time with my family, go to the beach, boat, and check out new stores. I also love to hang out with my four dogs: Raven, a German Shepherd, Spencer, a little ChiPin, and Cheyenne and Riggs, my two beagles.
11. How can someone get started with Evergold?
Give us a call at 614-324-8792 or check out our seminar schedule, where you can learn more about our program from our Membership Director. We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you have.
