Lisa Krauss, MA, LPC, NCC, CMC

Lisa J. Krauss is a Professional Geriatric Care Manager with more than 30 years experience in the health care field. Most recently, she was the Director of Social Services at a skilled nursing facility in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Lisa’s extensive experience and knowledge of area resources makes her an invaluable asset for families looking for guidance to best care for their aging relatives. She understands the numerous and varied challenges that arise when a loved one needs help during the aging process.

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) as an advanced professional. She is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Lisa holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Fairfield University. She holds certificates in gerontology and in death and dying from Sacred HeartUniversity. She attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in psychology from Hofstra University.

Personal Statement:

Helping families enable their loved ones to age in the best possible setting is truly my passion. Throughout my many years of working with elderly clients and their families, I have seen firsthand how much a person’s quality of life can be enhanced, once a variety of appropriate measures and services are put into place. Happily, I have learned that the challenges of aging can be met with the best possible outcome for all involved; using knowledge, experience and an intuitive understanding of my clients’ needs.

It is hard to express the pleasure it gives me to help turn around a family situation that at first felt overwhelming and hopeless, but is transformed into a scenario in which a senior’s physical and emotional needs are truly fulfilled. Family members gain peace of mind because they have given their loved one the best life they can attain through their later years.

I adhere to a Life Care philosophy; a long-term, comprehensive approach to creatively and mindfully managing the inevitable transitions of the later years. There is no “one size fits all” solution to aging. Rather, as seniors’ circumstances evolve and their needs change, I will make sure that they are taken care of appropriately every step of the way, always keeping in mind a family’s wishes, financial situation and a variety of other factors.
My priority is always to find just the right setting for each individual client. Aging in place is an ideal that I feel strongly about and I use every possible means to attain this goal, provided it matches my clients’ and families’ wishes.

When the home setting is no longer appropriate for your loved one, I will guide you toward the least restrictive setting. This may be the highest quality assisted living facility close to home or family members. I will help to determine whether skilled care at home is a viable option, or if a nursing home is necessary. In the latter case, I can find a facility that will provide the finest overall care. With my intimate knowledge of area resources, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to assist your family in making these vitally important choices.

Every day in my role as a Geriatric Care Manager, I experience the joy of helping make people’s situations better by providing them with an increased quality of life.  I know how fortunate I am because there is no better job satisfaction than that.

Contact Lisa at lisa@growingoptions.com with any GCM questions.

Miranda Pacchiana, MSW

Miranda Pacchiana earned a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She began her work with seniors as a volunteer for Masonicare of CT’s volunteer hospice program.

She has previously held positions at Newtown’s Family Counseling Center, as well as the Hudson Valley Community Services Children’s Center.

Personal Statement:

My own father died of early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, so I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the steps of an aging parent’s decline. It gives me great satisfaction to guide and support our clients, providing them with options that most people aren’t aware of, or have the time and resources to gain access to on their own.

Working with seniors and people with disabilities is a reward in itself. Regrettably, it seems that our culture does not place sufficient value on our older citizens. But their life experiences as well as the wisdom they have gained through accomplishments, losses and witnessing historical events is invaluable to us all.

I appreciate the chance to learn from, and demonstrate respect for our elder citizens. These are the reasons why I choose to be a Geriatric Care Manager.

Contact Miranda at miranda@growingoptions.com with any GCM questions.

Read her latest article on Geriatric Care...
Aging in Place: New Tools Facilitate an Old Idea
June 14, 2011 by Miranda Pacchiana, MSW

Carly Goeller, Associate Care Manager

Carly began her work in the geriatric field as an administrative assistant. As she became acquainted with aging individuals and their families, she developed a desire to help them firsthand.  As a result, she began working as a companion to seniors, a position she held for four years.

The direct experience Carly gained from spending time with her clients, as well as observing the positive impact that Geriatric Care Managers have on the lives of their clients, has proven to be a very valuable asset to her current position.

Carly is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology and Geriatric Health and Wellness at Sacred Heart University. She plans to continue her education and obtain a Master’s in Social Work.