Is knowledgeable about all aspects of the eldercare system and how it works..

Shares the best local resources and referrals from first-hand experience

Understands your stressors and the pressures of being a family caregiver….

Approaches this work from a place of integrity, passion and a deep respect for older adults and their families…
 

“I founded Etheridge Care Management in 2008 out of a deep desire to work directly with elders and their families while maintaining my own strong values and standards. It had long been my dream to establish my own practice so that I could focus on the work that I love.  In 2008 a “perfect storm” gathered to make that dream a reality.  It wasn’t easy, nothing worthwhile ever is.  Today I am exceedingly grateful that I am engaged in my true calling in a way that is infinitely satisfying while being of service to a population that has a firm grip on my heart.”

- Laurel Etheridge

Experience matters:
Laurel Etheridge is a certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager who has devoted the last 30 years of her career to providing care and services to older adults and their families. 

Laurel began her clinical career as a Certified Recreation Therapist (CTRS) working with older adults in hospital and rehab settings.  Since then her career has covered the full continuum of care including skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day care, Alzheimer’s care, home care, and the PACE model of care.  In 1995 the Institute on Aging in San Francisco hired Laurel to be the first Center Director of their PACE program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).  This was a collaboration between the IOA, the UCSF Medical Center, and On Lok Senior Health (the original PACE program).  Laurel was responsible for overseeing the plan of care of over 100 elder members.  The program, centered around a day program and clinic, was designed to help elders remain in their homes and communities Laurel was the leader of a true interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social workers, physical, occupational and speech therapists, as well as UCSF medical and nursing students doing their geriatric rotation at the program.  The team gathered every morning to discuss the plan of care and allocation of resources to the elder members.

Laurel left the IOA in 2001 to serve as Executive Director of Senior Access, Marin’s Adult Day Health and Alzheimer’s program.  In 2005 Laurel was hired by Eldercare Services, one of the Bay Area’s largest private Geriatric Care Management companies. She was hired to lead the San Francisco division where she built a thriving practice that informed the work she does today.

Volunteer and Pro Bono work:
True to her non-profit background Laurel devotes a portion of her time to pro bono work with low income elders who have little in the way of family or support systems. Aware of the fact that not everyone can afford private Care Management she helps connect them with entitlements, county programs and other resources to help manage their care.  Laurel has also volunteered her time leading family support groups and teaching classes for the Alzheimer’s Association in Marin. She also has performed cognitive evaluations and taught free workshops at Whistlestop in San Rafael.  She has given professional talks for the Aging Life Care Association and the Professional Fiduciaries Association of California.

Credentials:
Laurel is an Advanced Professional member of the Association of Aging Life Care (ALCA) and is certified as a Geriatric Care Manager with the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM).  She is a Dementia Care Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and is a trainer for the California Coalition for Compassionate Care on the POLST directive (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment). 

What distinguishes Laurel’s practice:

In addition to her clinical expertise Laurel thoroughly understands the eldercare “system”, and can quickly identify the best available, explain how things work, who pays for what, and what benefits and entitlements you may qualify for often saving you time and money in the first visit.  She has expertise in entitlements such as Medi-Cal and the Veteran’s Aid and Attendant’s Pension.

Laurel’s “Top Five” Values:

• Integrity

• Honesty

• Kindness

• Equality

• Flexibility

Experience

10 years / Etheridge Care Management / Owner/principal

1-year / Windchime of Marin dementia care / Executive Director

4 years / Eldercare Services / Director of Care Management/Homecare SF

4 years / Executive Director / Senior Access Adult Day Health and Alzheimer’s Care

5 years / Institute on Aging / Director of On Lok Senior Health by IOA/UCSF

5 years / Director of Social Services / Fifth Avenue Healthcare Center

3 years / Recreation Therapist / Hospital, adult day care, Assisted Living, SNF

Education, Memberships, Credentials

Care Manager Certified (CMC) / National Academy of Certified Care Managers

Advanced Professional member / Aging Life Care Association

Dementia Care Specialist / Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Lifetime Credential / California Community Colleges, Adult Education

Member / National Care Planning Council

Member / American Society on Aging

Member / California Coalition for Compassionate Care

Member / Marin Section on Aging

Member / Social Work Advocacy program- CANHR

Member / Marin POLST Coalition

Member/ Novato Chambre of Commerce

BA Recreation Therapy / San Francisco State University

Speaker/presenter:   Aging Life Care Association
                                  Professional Fiduciary Association of California
                                  Alzheimer’s Association
                                  Marin Senior Coordinating Council (Whistlestop)